TransparencyAbuse of power & retaliation
Congolese cameraman detained in a military prison for months after Kolwezi mining-erosion report, with no charges disclosed
Confidence: Corroborated · 2 sourcesDemocratic Republic of the Congo · Oct 6, 2026
Subject of this story
Republican Guard (Democratic Republic of the Congo)
Patrick Muyaya, Minister of Communication and Media; Government Spokesperson
Also named
Affected
Stéphane Shisso, Camera operator, Nyota TV
Advocate
Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ)
Union nationale de la presse du Congo (UNPC) – Katanga
What happened
Stephane Shisso, a camera operator for Nyota TV, was taken in Lubumbashi around the turn of 2026 after a video on erosion linked to mining in Kolwezi, held at the Kimbembe military camp and later moved to Kinshasa's Ndolo military prison. CPJ says he had been held over four months without appearing before a judge or being told of charges, although Article 18 of the Constitution requires 48 hours; government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya did not respond to CPJ. The journalists' union UNPC-Katanga demanded his release and said no official reason was given; a colleague went into hiding.
Sources (2)
Committee to Protect JournalistsHeld over four months without court appearance; DRC Constitution Article 18 requires arrestees be brought before a judicial authority within 48 hours.
Reporter.cdAucun motif officiel d'arrestation n'a ete communique; l'UNPC-Katanga exige sa liberation immediate et sans condition.
Response
Republican Guard (Democratic Republic of the Congo)
Not yet contacted
Not yet contacted for this story.
Patrick Muyaya
No response by publication
Contacted — no response by publication.
What happened next (0)
No outcome recorded yet.