DR Congo press freedom group Journaliste en danger (JED) has warned that conditions for the media in the country are getting worse, Radio Okapi reported. The group issued the warning to mark the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists. Its annual report, published on Monday, points to two problems: threats against media workers and barriers to reliable information.
The report is titled "Rumours, legends and conspiracy theories about Ebola: the media under pressure from the disinformation virus". It examines the difficulties the media face in covering health crises and fighting false information. According to JED, rumours are spreading and part of the public distrusts journalists. Some health facilities have also been attacked. The group praised media workers who check facts and produce reliable information despite these pressures.
On security, JED reported several cases of threats, economic pressure and assaults against journalists. The group said incidents in Mwenga and Kalemie show that media workers in some regions remain vulnerable.
JED is calling for a national mechanism to protect journalists and for investigations into violence against them. It also wants better access to public data. In addition, the group urged transparent economic support for local media. It said this would make them more independent and better able to fight disinformation.
On the sidelines of the day, journalists, young people, content creators and influencers called for joint action against disinformation and hate speech. They met at a forum in Kinshasa organised by Youth Action for Development and Peace and the Amnesty International Club of Kinshasa. The UN mission MONUSCO supported the event. Participants said the media and young people should promote responsible information and help prevent violence against journalists.