In a statement posted on X on July 28, 2025, AFC/M23 spokesperson Laurence Kanyuka said that the way Radio Okapi reports news does not meet proper journalism standards as it harms their image.
He started”Radio Okapi openly gives time to people or groups who say bad things about AFC/M23. It does not even try to check if that news is true or show proof. This way of reporting wrong information causes serious harm to our group.
We tried many times to talk with the leaders of this radio station but failed. Now AFC/M23 feels it must take action to stop this propaganda, which violates people’s rights, done by this station that claims to belong to the United Nations.”
Kanyuka said Radio Okapi tells lies by saying that killings continue in areas controlled by M23. In a recent report, Radio Okapi said that in Goma city, at least 10 to 25 people were killed on July 3 and July 25. It also said that armed people robbed 65 homes 26 in Goma and 39 in Karisimbi Commune.
Radio Okapi also said that AFC/M23 has been arresting young people illegally and charging very high taxes. It said this information came from an community Radio called Goma Hebdo Plus Radio.
Kanyuka said the news Radio Okapi spreads is misleading news meant to make people hate AFC/M23. He added that the group is not given any chance to respond to those claims.
He said”Radio Okapi has no problem giving time to people or groups who speak badly about us, but it does not check if what they say is true or give us time to explain.”
AFC/M23 spokesperson Laurence Kanyuka said the group will take the right steps to stop the misleading news spread in the media in a way that is not fair and that violates general rights.
Kanyuka said that in the areas AFC/M23 controls, news rely follow journalism rules, report the truth from all sides, avoid bias, and give everyone a chance to speak about accusations.
He also said that AFC/M23 condemned the continued torture and killing of people. He mentioned that on July 27, 2025, 47 people were killed by the armed group ADF/NALU in a church in Komanda, Irumu Territory, Ituri Province.
Right now, AFC/M23 continues to control Goma and Bukavu, as they have since early 2025.
By MUHIRE Jean Berchimans / The Kaminuza Star