Tragic Murder of Radio Maria Coordinator Highlights Dangers Facing Journalists in DRC

Edmond Bahati Monja, coordinator of Radio Maria/Goma, was murdered on September 27, 2023, in Goma, DRC, amidst escalating violence from the M23 armed group. This incident adds to a worrying trend of violence against journalists in the region, where at least a dozen have been killed in the past two years. The safety of journalists remains a critical concern as they endeavor to report on humanitarian crises exacerbated by ongoing conflict and lawlessness.

Edmond Bahati Monja, the coordinator of Radio Maria/Goma, tragically lost his life in a shooting incident on the evening of September 27, in the Ndosho district near Goma. This incident took place amid escalating violence in North Kivu due to the presence of the M23 armed movement, which surrounds Goma almost completely. Bahati, a dedicated Catholic journalist known for reporting on the tumultuous conditions in his region, was ambushed near his home by assailants, reportedly three armed men, who had previously threatened a witness before the attack. As a result of being followed, Bahati was shot twice at close range, leaving behind his wife and three children. The broader context of escalating violence in Goma reveals that the city has seen an alarming increase in violent crime, including murders and robberies, significantly influenced by the regional conflict. To fortify Goma against militia advances, the Congolese army has allied with various armed groups, exacerbating the security situation. Journalists like Bahati are often targeted for their work in exposing the hardships faced by civilians. Bahati’s murder adds to a grim statistic of at least a dozen journalists killed in similar circumstances within the past two years. The risks faced by media personnel in the area include ongoing threats and intimidation that curtail their ability to report freely on critical issues affecting the local population. Community radio stations serve as vital sources of information in conflict zones and become contentious due to their role in highlighting the violence perpetrated against civilians. Despite a state of siege declared in May 2021 to restore order, the violence continues to plague Goma, further emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable solutions to the crisis. Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu of Kinshasa has voiced concerns about how these armed groups may increasingly threaten civilian safety through looting and violence. The tragic death of Edmond Bahati Monja symbolizes the significant peril faced by journalists striving to uncover the truths surrounding conflicts in their regions and exemplifies the critical intersection of press freedom and public safety in East Africa.

The Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly in its eastern province of North Kivu, has been engulfed in violence primarily due to the activities of armed groups such as the M23. Goma, the provincial capital, has seen a surge in violent crime as these militias exert influence over the area. Despite official measures like a state of siege, security remains tenuous. Journalists in this region, such as Edmond Bahati Monja, have faced increased danger as they attempt to document the human toll of this prolonged conflict. Their work is vital in raising awareness but has made them targets amid the ongoing strife and lawlessness.

The assassination of Edmond Bahati Monja serves not only as a tragic personal loss but also a stark reminder of the perilous environment in which journalists operate in areas like Goma. As violence continues unabated, the safety of media professionals becomes increasingly precarious, highlighting the urgent need for protective measures and accountability in conflict zones. The events surrounding Bahati’s murder underscore the critical role journalism plays in documenting human rights violations and advocating for peace, despite the significant risks involved in such endeavors.

Original Source: www.fides.org