(JED/IFEX) – In an editorial read at the start of the television news broadcasts of 15 and 16 November 2000, the public network Radiotélévision nationale congolaise (RTNC) called the daily “Le Phare” an “enemy of the Congolese people”. In the editorial, dedicated essentially to “Le Phare”, the presenter, Paul-Donat Mikombe wa Kashimpolo, maintained that “‘Le […]
(JED/IFEX) – In an editorial read at the start of the television news broadcasts of 15 and 16 November 2000, the public network Radiotélévision nationale congolaise (RTNC) called the daily “Le Phare” an “enemy of the Congolese people”. In the editorial, dedicated essentially to “Le Phare”, the presenter, Paul-Donat Mikombe wa Kashimpolo, maintained that “‘Le Phare’ has only two choices: either to support the government of national security in its policy of national reconstruction, or to place itself in the ranks of enemies of the people.”
The night before, “Le Phare” had published an article criticising economic measures recently taken by Laurent-Désiré Kabila’s government.
These threats are being taken seriously by “Le Phare”. In a note published in the 16 November edition of “Le Phare” (issue 1464), the newspaper expressed the belief that the RTNC has put out “a call to murder” and feared “all possible consequences for each of us and our families”.
The editorial, which is always broadcast at the start of the RTNC’s televised and spoken newscasts, is known to reflect the point of view of the government in Kinshasa. In addition, to be called an “enemy of the people” by the government can be a prelude to repression by security services.
