The African Freedom of Expression Exchange (AFEX), strongly condemns the arbitrary detention of Congolese journalist Tuver Tuverekwevyo Wundi.
Wundi, who serves as the provincial director of the state broadcaster RTNC and a correspondent for AFEX member, Journaliste en Danger (JED), has been detained by the National Intelligence Agency in Kinshasa since August 27, 2025. He was last seen leaving the JED office for lunch, but never returned. Since then, his phones have gone unanswered, and he has been denied access to his family, colleagues, and lawyers. While a source at the National Intelligence Agency has suggested that Wundi is being “debriefed,” no official explanation or charges have been made public.
This is not the first time Wundi has been targeted. Earlier this year, he was detained for more than a week by the M23 rebel movement in Goma. His current arrest by state intelligence services once again exposes the fragile and dangerous conditions under which journalists in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are forced to work. Such actions contribute to a worrying pattern of intimidation and harassment of the media, which undermines press freedom and denies citizens their right to information.
AFEX therefore calls on the Congolese authorities to:
- Immediately and unconditionally release Tuver Wundi, or provide a clear and lawful justification for his detention.
- Ensure the safety and protection of all journalists and media workers in the DRC, particularly those operating in conflict zones.
- End the practice of arbitrary arrests and intimidation of media practitioners, which erodes democratic accountability and weakens public trust.
We urge the Congolese government to respect its obligations under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, both of which guarantee freedom of expression and the right to liberty and security of the person.
AFEX stands in solidarity with JED one of its member organisations together with Wundi’s colleagues at RTNC and the wider Congolese media community. We reaffirm our commitment to defending press freedom and protecting the safety of journalists across Africa.
