(Ecofin Agency) - Since last January 28, two TV channels have stopped broadcasting in DR Congo. These are Radiotelevision Nyota and Mapendo owned by the Nyota group.

The two channels which were broadcasting from Lubumashi in the Katanga province have been prohibited from broadcasting over the territory. This was decided by Minister of Communication and Media, Lambert Mende, in decree published on January 20. These media are accused of having not paid a certain number of taxes namely the preliminary declaration tax, the conformity control due, the broadcasting licence fee. Moreover, the minister accuses the 2 channels of rejecting the payment scheduling which was presented to other communication supports in the same situation.

In Katanga, the head of provincial division of communication added that the blocked channels received since 2014 a mandate from the mixed commission for control and conformity of finance Medias. The institution was sensitizing the Medias on the importance of respecting the law.

During an interview with Radio France International, Olivier Tuta, Director General of Nyota and Mapendo, denied all the accusations saying $40,000 was paid on January 25 and 26, 2016, in addition to penalties paid to the bank. On Radio Okapi, Olivier Tuta added: “We only had a few unpaid taxes. We’ve paid all of them. Everything is in order for both channels of the Nyota group. I don’t understand this new rush to cut our communication.”

In DR Congo, Radiotelevision Nyota and Television Mapendo are known to be close to businessman Moïse Katumbi who recently left the ruling party to join opposition.