Aggrey Nyondwa critiques Western media’s inconsistent coverage of the DRC conflict, emphasizing the need for deeper, more ethical reporting that acknowledges international responsibilities. He highlights the media’s failure to keep the crisis in focus and the need for sustained, thematic reporting instead of episodic coverage. Recent trends indicate a crucial shift towards recognizing external influences, particularly Rwanda’s role, as essential for understanding the complexity of the DRC situation.
Aggrey Nyondwa critiques the lack of substantial reporting by Western media on the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which has persisted for over 30 years. This neglect not only hampers public awareness but also obscures the roles of international actors perpetuating the crisis. Despite over a million refugees and millions displaced internally, major media outlets have labeled the DRC as one of the world’s most forgotten crises since 2016.
The author emphasizes that traditional media coverage is largely driven by factors such as timeliness and sensationalism, resulting in the neglect of stories that do not fit these criteria. Consequently, the DRC crisis receives minimal attention until a spike in violence or refugee movement occurs. This pattern illustrates a systemic issue where media prioritizes certain stories based on geographical and cultural biases, leading to a significant disparity in coverage between the DRC and more prominently featured conflicts like Ukraine.
Furthermore, Nyondwa points out that, even when the DRC is covered, the framing often oversimplifies the conflict as merely an internal struggle. Recent journalistic efforts, however, have acknowledged the involvement of external actors such as Rwanda, which undermines the DRC’s stability for its own benefits. These dynamics highlight the complexity of the situation, indicating that a deeper understanding of international culpability is essential for effective reporting.
The current surge in media coverage presents an opportunity for a shift in the approach to humanitarian reporting. Nyondwa advocates for moving from episodic reporting to a thematic approach that provides comprehensive context and examines the historical and structural factors contributing to crises like that in the DRC. This method should also include accountability for international actors, promoting justice as the guiding principle for reporting.
The ongoing crisis in the DRC, despite its prolonged nature, has received sporadic coverage from the Western media, reflecting a broader issue of neglect in reporting humanitarian crises. This underscores the need for a significant reframing of media engagement, emphasizing sustained, contextual reporting over episodic attention. By holding international actors accountable and addressing underlying issues, media outlets can contribute to a more informed public and potentially drive meaningful support for affected populations.
Original Source: blogs.lse.ac.uk
