Edmond Bahati Monja, coordinator of Radio Maria/Goma, was murdered on September 27, 2024, by armed assailants near his home in Goma. His death highlights the dangers faced by journalists in the region, where violence from the M23 militia continues to escalate. Bahati’s investigative work into armed group activities rendered him a target. His assassination adds to the alarming trend of journalists being killed in the DRC, where the environment for media professionals is increasingly perilous.
The recent murder of Edmond Bahati Monja, the coordinator of Radio Maria/Goma, has cast a pall over the already turbulent region of Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). On the evening of September 27, 2024, Bahati was shot near his home in the Ndosho district by armed men, amidst escalating violence attributed to the M23 militia’s activities. Goma, the capital of North Kivu, is largely encircled by these insurgents, prompting the Congolese army to form alliances with various militia groups to defend against their advance, a move that has paradoxically increased violent crime, including robbery and murder, within the city. As a journalist committed to exposing the realities of conflict, Bahati’s tragic death underscores the significant threats faced by media personnel in the region. In the past two years, at least a dozen journalists have been killed, with Bahati’s investigative work into the actions of armed groups marking him as a target. Eyewitness accounts suggest that he was trailed by three assailants, who subsequently shot him at close range after robbing him. His assassination is not merely a random act of violence but rather a continuation of a disturbing trend where journalists become casualties for their commitment to their profession. Bahati’s legacy as a man of peace who devoted himself to serving the community and the Catholic Church is profoundly mourned by his colleagues. Additionally, the precarious environment for journalists in Goma is characterized by constant threats, often received via phone or text, highlighting the dangers inherent in delivering crucial news in crisis zones. Community radio stations, such as Radio Maria/Goma, play a pivotal role in providing information and denouncing abuses committed against civilians, yet their work is often perceived as a threat by warring factions. Despite the state of siege imposed by authorities since May 6, 2021, to quell the unrest in North Kivu and the neighboring province of Ituri, violence persists unabated. Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Kinshasa, has articulated concerns regarding the volatility of the situation, positing that the proliferation of irregular armed groups could further endanger civilians through increased crime and exploitation of resources.
The Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly the eastern province of North Kivu, has long been embroiled in conflict, primarily due to the activities of various armed groups, notably the M23 militia. The city of Goma is a strategic hub affected significantly by these ongoing hostilities. Journalists in this region frequently face life-threatening situations as they seek to report on the violence and its impact on the civilian population. The presence of armed groups not only threatens the safety of communities but also stifles freedom of expression and the dissemination of critical information, particularly that which challenges the status quo of power and violence in the region. The state of siege declared in 2021 was intended to restore order but has been met with severe criticism due to its ineffectiveness in curbing violence and protecting civilians.
The murder of Edmond Bahati Monja epitomizes the dire situation faced by journalists in conflict-ridden regions such as Goma, where reporting the truth can lead to fatal repercussions. It reflects the broader challenge of security and freedom of expression in North Kivu, where violence remains rampant despite governmental attempts to control it. The loss of Bahati is a significant blow not only to his family and colleagues but also to the integrity of journalistic endeavors in a region where such efforts are desperately needed. The ongoing threats to journalists and the worsening security landscape further underscore the urgent need for enhanced protections and a focus on restoring peace and stability in the area.
Original Source: www.fides.org
