DR Congo bans social media following Goma’s takeover by M23

Days after AFC/M23 rebels seized control of the eastern city of Goma, the Congolese government announced restrictions on social media platforms like X and TikTok, according to sources.

Jeune Afrique said on February 4 that the limits, which also applied to the Google Play Store, were intended to counter what the administration refers to as false news.

The French journal was informed by Isik Mater, research director for the British business Netblocks, which keeps an eye on social networks and the internet, that TikTok, Twitter/X, and the Google Play Store are blocked in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

NetBlocks stated that the Google Play Store banning “seems to be an attempt to prevent users from downloading VPNs.” Applications such as virtual private networks (VPNs) would enable evading the limitations in place from February 2.

Jacquemain Shabani, the interior minister of Congo, alluded to “technical issues” at a press conference on February 3.

This will be repaired as soon as possible, I promise. Shabani was cited as adding, “We are working on these technical issues as well.”

However, a few organizations have stated that the limitations on communication routes constitute a breach of people’s rights.

“This is a violation of the right to information and freedom of expression guaranteed by articles 23 and 24 of the Constitution of [DR Congo], as well as international conventions that guarantee these fundamental freedoms,” the AfricTivistes network said.

“We request that the Congolese government bring back these communication channels that enable people to vary their information sources in an environment that encourages misinformation.”

Since the AFC/M23 took Goma, there has been a growing mistrust of the government over social media, which is why the limitation was implemented.

Christian Bosembe, the leader of the Higher Council for Audiovisual and Communication (CSAC), has denounced what he describes as “unpatriotic” messages that have been circulated on social media. Bosembe is reportedly at the forefront of the “media front,” which keeps an eye on what is said in the media and exerts pressure on journalists since the fight against the M23 has intensified.

Patrick Muyaya, the Minister of Communications and Government Spokesperson, joins Bosembe. He has been cautioning Congolese journalists about the content they post on social media.