DRC - media

RFI silenced in DRC

Article published on the 2009-07-28 Latest update 2009-08-11 15:45 TU

The Democratic Republic of Congo has suspended transmission of Radio France Internationale in the country. The government is due to explain its decision at a press conference on Tuesday.

The Democratic Republic of Congo has suspended transmission of Radio France Internationale within the country.

Information Minister Lambert Mende confirmed that the central African state had stopped broadcasts but did not give further details.

The government is due to hold a press conference on Tuesday, during which it is expected to explain its decision.

This is not the first time that the government has taken action against RFI. The DRC cut off RFI’s signal in Bunia in May and later threatened to shut down all six of RFI’s FM frequencies over what it called “national security concerns”. They accused the station of inciting unrest after it reported on problems within the armed forces.

RFI correspondent Ghislaine Dupont was expelled from the country during the 2006 presidential election campaign.