Aggrey Nyondwa critiques the superficial coverage of the DRC crisis in Western media, noting its neglect despite decades of turmoil. He highlights the influence of media biases and the need for more ethical journalism that recognizes the impact of international actors. Nyondwa argues for sustained coverage rather than sporadic reporting, advocating a shift from episodic to thematic reporting to achieve greater justice and accountability in response to humanitarian crises.
Aggrey Nyondwa critiques the inconsistent and superficial coverage of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in Western media, highlighting the urgency for more ethical journalism that acknowledges the impact of international actors in the ongoing crisis. The conflict has persisted for over 30 years, with millions displaced both internally and externally, yet the DRC is frequently categorized as a ‘forgotten crisis’ by the media, receiving minimal attention except during rare spikes in violence or notable events.
In assessing the media landscape, Nyondwa emphasizes two primary issues that contribute to the DRC’s neglect. First, the criteria used by media outlets to determine newsworthiness, such as timeliness and sensationalism, often overshadow critical humanitarian stories, resulting in a lack of sustained coverage. Second, a hierarchy of place and life biases media reporting, as evidenced by the disproportionate number of articles covering conflicts like Ukraine compared to the DRC.
The media’s framing of the DRC conflict commonly simplifies the narrative to an internal struggle, overlooking the influential roles of external parties like Rwanda, which is closely allied with Western interests. By shifting the narrative to include these complexities, it sheds light on international complicity and the economic motivations fueling the conflict, thereby holding responsible parties accountable for their actions.
Nyondwa advocates for a reexamination of how humanitarian crises are reported, urging the media to prioritize justice and provide continuous, in-depth coverage rather than episodic highlights. This entails moving beyond sensationalism and contextualizing crises within their historical and structural frameworks, while scrutinizing the role of powerful international actors in exacerbating suffering.
The current media focus on the DRC is appreciated, yet for it to yield lasting benefits, a transformation in reporting practices is essential. The ongoing neglect of the DRC crisis reflects broader media tendencies to prioritize certain narratives, underscoring the need for a reevaluation to ensure that all humanitarian crises receive appropriate attention and recognition, regardless of geographical or political biases.
The ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo demands consistent and ethical media coverage that acknowledges the complex interplay of local and international actors. By shifting from episodic to thematic reporting, the media can uncover the deeper systemic issues at play. Ultimately, a more balanced representation is crucial for fostering global awareness and effective humanitarian responses to crises like that in the DRC.
Original Source: blogs.lse.ac.uk
