The impact of the war on the people and journalists of Eastern Congo

At the end of January, the city of Goma in EastCongo in the hands of the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels. In mid-February, Bukavu, home to the popular radio station and 11.11.11-partner Radio Maendeleo. Their journalists, like many others, are forced to choose between their safety and their mission to tell the truth. A reporter from Radio Maendeleo – who wishes to remain anonymous for security reasons – testifies about the impact of the war on the population and press freedom.  

"In the areas where the fighting was most intense, such as Kalehe, Kabare and the Ruzizi plain, the situation is extremely bad. Humanitarian organizations have left, and access to basic necessities such as food, water and medical care has become almost impossible. Hospitals are no longer functioning, and fear is everywhere."

“Thousands of people have fled their homes to refugee camps, but the situation there is so bad that many people are already returning. They often find that their homes have been completely destroyed or looted. Some even find the bodies of family members who died in the war,” the journalist testifies. The inhabitants are caught between the dangerous conditions in the camps and the destruction in their own villages. At the same time, the fear of a new outbreak of violence is great. “Abandoned weapons from fleeing troops and rebels are still circling, which means the threat remains.”

Journalists in the firing line

Not only the population, but also journalists are severely affected by the conflict. So did the reporters of 11.11.11-partner Radio Maendeleo. In addition to the inhumane conditions of war, they also face censorship, threats and violence.  

Due to the deteriorating security situation, we have had to temporarily suspend several of our programs. The government in Kinshasa threatened to close down the radio and arrest journalists. In addition, two of our journalists were also threatened by rebels. Censorship and the threat of violence severely limit the flow of information, so that important news remains hidden from the population.

Their network of correspondents, spread across the province of South Kivu, has also been severely limited as many have been forced to flee to safer areas, making it increasingly difficult to access important information.  

Still, Radio Maendeleo journalists want to continue reporting on the reality on the ground. They want to tell stories about the devastation in Kabare, Kalehe and the Ruzizi plain, the humanitarian consequences for refugees, suspected mass graves, human rights violations by armed groups, and the situation in hospitals and refugee camps. But the threat makes it almost impossible to do research on the ground. Despite everything, Radio Maendeleo continues to fight to report. 

We have managed to re-record some programs, such as the main news. Despite all obstacles, we want to inform the population and bring out the truth.

Hope in times of war  

The population in Bukavu and Goma is urging the international community to exert more pressure to stop the war. "There is a shared belief that the Kinshasa government must engage in serious talks with the rebels to stop the situation," the journalist said.  

No matter how hopeless the situation may seem at times, the Congolese population itself remains hopeful: “Both national and international human rights organizations are committed to stopping the war, restoring communities and building stability. We believe that the situation will eventually return to normal.”

If there is one message the journalist wants to convey to the rest of the world, it is this: “It is of great importance that the international treaties on war are strictly observed. This would limit the abuse of women and children during the conflict. Although they are innocent, they often bear the brunt of the consequences of war. They therefore deserve absolute protection.”  

Together for the truth: support for journalists in Eastern Congo

The war in eastern Congo is not only destroying villages and lives, but also the truth. Without independent reporting, the suffering of thousands of people remains invisible.

11.11.11 also now offers its partners in Eastern Congo all possible support. Their safety is paramount: we offer help to develop emergency plans and support them by, among other things, advancing salaries. We are in constant contact with our partners to jointly monitor developments in the security situation and intervene where necessary.