Congo bans tiktok to curb rebel propaganda amid security crisis

The head of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s media regulator has moved decisively to block TikTok accounts spreading propaganda for the rebel group AFC-M23, warning that the platform is enabling threats to national security.

Christian Bosembe, Chair of the Superior Council for Audiovisual and Communication (CSAC), confirmed talks with TikTok’s management to enforce the shutdown immediately. He condemned the presence of Corneille Nangaa—a figure accused of terrorism—on the platform, arguing that such digital spaces should not serve as forums for those undermining state stability.

The regulator’s stance reflects growing frustration over foreign-owned platforms hosting content that fuels conflict. Bosembe questioned why extremist groups like Al-Qaeda or Hezbollah are restricted elsewhere but allowed to operate in the DRC. « A social media account linked to Al-Qaeda would never be tolerated in the United States. Why should rebel propaganda thrive in Congo? » he argued.

With the AFC-M23 accused of massacres and mass displacements in eastern Congo—allegedly with Rwandan support—the CSAC sees TikTok as a critical tool for the rebellion. Bosembe stressed that cutting off digital channels is essential to restoring order, stating, « At some point, the Congolese state must assert itself. And to do so, these networks must be shut down. »

This decision also highlights a broader debate over digital sovereignty in the DRC. As Kinshasa seeks to regain control over social platforms accused of amplifying enemy narratives, the move could set a precedent for regulating online content during armed conflicts.