Congolese influencer extradited from Tanzania
CAPTION – Congolese influencer Denise Mukendi Dusauchoy in file photo.
By Agencies
KINSHASA – Congolese influencer Denise Mukendi Dusauchoy, an outspoken critic of President Félix Tshisekedi’s government, was transferred to Kinshasa overnight after being arrested in Tanzania, Congolese media reported on Tuesday.
Dusauchoy was detained on Sunday, August 30, in Kabanga, western Tanzania, before being taken to Dar es Salaam and later handed over to Congolese authorities, the reports said.
Neither the Congolese nor Tanzanian authorities have publicly confirmed the transfer, disclosed the legal procedure followed or announced formal charges against her.
Dusauchoy, a journalist and founder of the Forces of Democrats for Development party, has repeatedly criticised Tshisekedi, senior government officials and members of the presidential family on social media.
She has also voiced support for the Rwanda-backed AFC/M23 rebel alliance, which controls large areas of eastern Congo, and had recently travelled through Goma, Kigali and other parts of the Great Lakes region.
Congolese media have linked her arrest to allegations of defamation and incitement to ethnic hatred.
It is claimed she received confidential information from contacts inside Congo’s institutions and security agencies.
Her arrest came weeks after Communications and Media Minister Patrick Muyaya warned Congolese citizens at home and abroad against using social media to spread insults, threats and false information.
“Wherever you may be, justice will reach you,” Muyaya said at an August 13 briefing.
Dusauchoy has previously faced prosecution in Congo over public insults and the dissemination of allegedly false information.
Her extradition is likely to renew debate over freedom of expression, due process and judicial cooperation between Congo and neighbouring countries.
