Journalists in Bunia Protest the Murder of Colleague Thierry Lole

Bunia, Ituri, DRC | December 29, 2025 Journalists in Bunia held a march on Monday morning, ending at the Ituri provincial governor's office, to protest the murder of Thierry Lole, a colleague at the Congolese National Radio and Television (RTNC). Lole was killed at his home by assailants armed with machetes during the night of Sunday to Monday, according to local sources. Dozens of media professionals demanded a swift investigation during the demonstration. According to protesters, criminals armed with machetes broke into Lole’s home around 2:00 a.m., striking him severely on the head before fleeing without stealing anything. Lole later died from his injuries at Salama Hospital on Monday morning. During a meeting with the provincial governor, journalists called for an investigation to identify and bring to justice the perpetrators, requested that funeral expenses be covered, and advocated for a media blackout to highlight the danger facing journalists. Protesters also cited increasing attacks against journalists in Ituri, referencing a recent kidnapping of a journalist, who was held hostage for four days, followed by the murder of his child by unknown assailants. Provincial authorities stated that an investigation is underway to apprehend those responsible and promised to cover funeral expenses.