DR Congo’s media regulator has banned the promotion or glorification of war and armed groups across media platforms…reports Africa Daily News Desk
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s media regulator has directed journalists, broadcasters, producers and digital content creators to refrain from promoting armed groups, glorifying violence or providing platforms for political parties banned in the country.
The Superior Council of Audiovisual and Communication (CSAC) adopted the recommendation during its plenary session in Kinshasa on 15 October 2026. The document, dated 19 October, prohibits the glorification of war through the media and applies to audiovisual and digital platforms, regardless of format, professional status or audience size.
The directive calls on media professionals, presenters, analysts, commentators, programme guests, influencers and other content creators to avoid five categories of activity.
These include providing media platforms to leaders, spokespersons, representatives or members of the Congo River Alliance (FRN) and affiliated armed groups through interviews, live broadcasts, telephone calls or other forms of participation in audiovisual programmes.
The CSAC also prohibits the dissemination of statements, press releases, messages, audiovisual productions, propaganda reports and other communications intended to promote the activities of armed movements accused of seeking to overthrow legally established republican institutions through violence against the population.
The regulator warned against content that legitimises, glorifies, normalises, praises or justifies rebellion, acts of violence, crimes or actions threatening the stability of legally established institutions and the country’s territorial integrity.
It further instructed media organisations and digital creators not to distribute material that could encourage recruitment, membership, mobilisation or political, material or moral support for armed groups seeking to undermine state institutions and territorial integrity.
The fifth restriction concerns providing airtime or media space to representatives of political parties banned in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Warnings of legal sanctions
The CSAC said the recommendation covers all audiovisual and digital distribution platforms, without distinction based on medium, format, professional status or audience reach.
It warned that any duly established breach could expose those responsible to sanctions provided for under applicable laws and regulations. The recommendation takes effect from the date of its publication.
The document was signed in Kinshasa on 19 October 2026 by CSAC plenary assembly rapporteur Kabamba Kasongo and president Christian Bosembe Lokando.
The regulator cited constitutional provisions, legislation governing the organisation and functioning of the CSAC, and the legal framework regulating press freedom, information and broadcasting in the country as the basis for its action.
The recommendation acknowledges freedom of opinion and expression as fundamental rights but states that they must be exercised in accordance with the law, public order, good morals and the rights of others.
The CSAC said it had observed instances in which political communicators made inflammatory public statements that allegedly glorified crimes or denigrated the armed forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
It also said artistic and cultural activities, political events, concerts, ceremonies and public demonstrations should comply with national laws, ethical standards and professional rules governing communication.
The regulator said its responsibilities include monitoring media content, promoting quality programming and encouraging broadcasts that respect human rights, human dignity, peace and public order.
The recommendation places additional restrictions on how media organisations and online creators cover armed groups and banned political parties. Its implementation will determine how the regulator applies the stated requirements and sanctions to alleged violations.
