Rwanda Media Commission calls for ethical reporting amid DR Congo crisis

The Rwanda Media Commission (RMC) has called on journalists and media practitioners to uphold ethical and professional standards in reporting, particularly on war and conflict such as the DR Congo crisis. The statement comes amid heightened tensions in the Great Lakes Region, with media reports on the crisis in the DR Congo drawing scrutiny. ALSO READ: Scovia Mutesi elected chairperson of Rwanda Media Commission In a statement issued on Friday, February 28, the RMC expressed concern over the increasing trend of sensationalized and misleading reporting, especially in online media. “In an era of instant information sharing, the pursuit of engagement through sensationalism, clickbait, and unverified claims often comes at the expense of accuracy and ethical responsibility,” the commission stated. “This practice not only misleads the public but also risks inflaming tensions, spreading misinformation, and undermining journalistic credibility. ALSO READ: Rwanda media code of ethics to be revised The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olivier Nduhungirehe, also weighed in on the issue, cautioning journalists against spreading false narratives such as claiming that Rwanda had declared a war. “This is not the time to play with such rhetoric,” Nduhungirehe warned in a post on X, emphasizing the responsibility of journalists to avoid misrepresentation. RMC emphasized that war reporting demands the highest standards of professionalism and urged journalists to prioritize factual, balanced, and responsible reporting. Online platforms, in particular, bear a greater responsibility in preventing the spread of misleading narratives that can provoke fear, division, or even incite violence, the commission noted. The commission further urged media professionals to refrain from publishing unverified claims, misleading headlines, or emotionally charged content designed to capture attention rather than convey the truth. The use of disturbing imagery or narratives that exploit victims for engagement must be handled with extreme caution, ensuring respect for human dignity and ethical storytelling, RMC stated. While acknowledging the media's duty to inform, the commission stressed that this responsibility must be carried out with integrity. “Upholding ethical standards is not just a professional duty but a fundamental commitment to truth, peace, and responsible journalism,” the statement read. RMC also reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring media practices and taking necessary actions against ethical breaches. The commission also encouraged journalists to seek guidance when in doubt about certain situations.

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Rwanda Media Commission calls for ethical reporting amid DR Congo crisis