In DR Congo, the television channel Canal Mercure has been suspended for a period of 7 days by the High Audiovisual and Communication Council (CSAC) during a plenary session on 23 July 2015.

The regulatory organ criticised private channel Canal Mercure for fraudulently broadcasting the programs of other television media, including those of the French group Canal+. CSAC noted that the piracy was often done during big sports events, particularly where football is concerned. This happened for example during the last Copa America or the finals of the Champions League. CSAC above all highlighted that the executives of the TV channel did not appear to provide explanations.

Another media sanctioned was the newspaper Le Fax, suspended for 15 days. The daily has been found guilty of accusations without proof and libel against ex-Prime minister Adolphe Muzito.

CSAC’s decision is also awaited on the request to reopen Channel Canal Kin TV, whose broadcast has been interrupted since 16 January 2015. The Minister of Communication, Lambert Mende, had explained that this media was inciting the population to swarm over the National Assembly headquarters even though its inviolability is enshrined in law. The context is marked by strong condemnation against President Joseph Kabila's bid for a new term, in the election scheduled for 27 November 2016.

On Tuesday 28 July, CSAC was still reviewing the Canal Kin TV affair.