A new report by Journaliste en Danger (JED) has raised alarming concerns about the safety of journalists in the Democratic Republic of Congo, revealing that 12 journalists have been killed since President Félix Tshisekedi took office in 2019.
The 2025 report, released on November 22, indicates that the situation for media professionals has deteriorated compared to previous years. According to the findings, between 2001 and 2018 during former President Joseph Kabila’s rule 15 journalists were killed and two others went missing.
Under Tshisekedi’s administration, from 2019 to November 2025, at least 12 journalists have been killed and four have disappeared without trace. JED notes that killings and enforced disappearances have increased significantly during this period, highlighting a decline in media freedom and security.
The organisation also reports a rise in arrests targeting journalists. During Kabila’s tenure, 24 journalists were detained between 2001 and 2018. Since 2019, that number has climbed to 28 under Tshisekedi’s leadership.
JED warns that press freedom in the DRC remains “in danger,” as perpetrators of violence against journalists continue to operate with impunity. The report emphasises that the lack of accountability has emboldened those responsible for intimidation, harassment and attacks on media workers.
Civil society organisations in the DRC have called for urgent action to halt the killings, protect the press and ensure that journalists can work freely without fear for their lives.
