Journalists in South Kivu face threats from Wazalendo militiamen and drone strikes by multiple forces

The Committee to Protect Journalists reported on 17 July 2026 that government-allied Wazalendo militiamen threatened to kill or capture Radio Tuungane journalist Anne Nanduhura and to burn down the station of Radio Faraja director Zachee Nabihazire Kalume.

Nanduhura, based in Minembwe commune, received three threats in June after reporting on government drone strikes and a blockade that prevented food and medicine deliveries. " A second caller identifying himself as Katete repeated the death threat on 10 June.

Nanduhura is a mother of five whose husband, a nurse, was killed by a drone strike in 2022. Three other local journalists corroborated her account to CPJ on condition of anonymity. A June text message reviewed by CPJ referred to efforts to regain Minembwe and appeared to come from Wazalendo or army sources.

Kalume has been in hiding since late June after multiple death threats from Wazalendo leader Nehémie Ndaheba. On 1 June Ndaheba threatened to burn down Radio Faraja, saying its reporting undermined militia morale. The station had broadcast a 30 May order by Brigadier General Jean-Jacques Ilunga Kabamba directing Wazalendo fighters to leave Sange so army special forces could secure the area.

M23 and Congo River Alliance rebels captured Minembwe in 2025 and withdrew from several South Kivu towns, including Sange, in May 2026. Government and Wazalendo forces have since encircled Minembwe. The United States sanctioned former President Joseph Kabila and the Rwandan army for alleged support of the rebels in violation of a December peace agreement.

Rwanda called the sanctions one-sided. Radio Tuungane was bombed twice by drones in March 2026. Both government and rebel forces have conducted high-profile drone strikes this year.