Journalist Serge Sindani Detained in Kisangani, Press Freedom Concerns Raised

Kisangani, March 6, 2026 - Journalist Serge Sindani, director general of the online news outlet KIS24.INFO, has been detained for three days at the National Intelligence Agency (ANR) in Kisangani, Tshopo province, without contact with his family, colleagues, or lawyers. The editorial team of KIS24.INFO reports that Sindani has spent his third night in detention without official information regarding the reasons for his arrest or his state of health. The media outlet described the situation as a serious attack on press freedom and the fundamental right to inform, guaranteed by the Constitution of the DRC, calling on journalists, media organizations, and civil society to mobilize. The Tshopo branch of the National Union of Congolese Press (UNPC) denounced the journalist’s “abduction” in a press release. According to the UNPC, Sindani was arrested on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, around noon at the FIRVAO headquarters by agents claiming to be from the ANR. He was taken away in a vehicle without any official explanation and has not been informed of any charges or questioned formally. The UNPC considers the detention a flagrant violation of fundamental rights, including the right to defense and due process. The organization demands immediate notification of allegations, access to legal counsel, respect for his legal rights, and calls for his immediate release if no legally substantiated charges are presented. The UNPC further urges authorities to guarantee the safety and freedom of journalists working in Kisangani and across Tshopo province, emphasizing the importance of protecting press freedom in the region.