Concern about M23 threats against Kivu journalist
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is concerned about threats by the M23 rebel group against Magloire Paluku Kavunga, the director-general of the Kivu 1 radio and TV broadcaster in the eastern region of Kivu.
Kavunga received calls and texts from a person identifying himself as Maj. Oribi Shamamba, a former M23 officer who fled to neighbouring Uganda. The caller threatened to come and “confiscate” the radio station “when this rebel movement arrives in the region in March.”
Since then, Kavunga has been concerned for his and his family’s safety. The threats were apparently prompted by a report that Kivu 1 broadcast on 24 February showing the defeat of the M23 rebels in November 2013 in Rutshuru, in Nord-Kivu province.
M23 distinguished itself in the course 2013 by its abusive treatment of the civilian population, including journalists and media, in Nord-Kivu.There have been few M23 attacks since late 2013, when it was partially defeated and dismantled.
The Democratic Republic of Congo is ranked 152nd out of 180 countries in RSF’s 2016 World Press Freedom Index.
Democratic Republic of Congo
