Ituri: Mock Trial Exposes Dangers of Disinformation

In a packed Bunia courtroom, a tense scene unfolded as 34-year-old Dieumerci Kati faced accusations of spreading false rumors through WhatsApp. The victim, visibly emotional, described how his life had been destroyed by misinformation: “People point fingers at me, some avoid me, others call me a murderer. I lost my wife. My life has collapsed because of a lie.”

This wasn’t an actual criminal proceeding but a mock trial organized by MONUSCO’s Strategic Communication and Public Information Section on June 20. The simulation aimed to demonstrate the devastating consequences of spreading unverified information in conflict-affected Ituri province.

The scenario resonated deeply with the approximately 100 attendees, primarily young people, as they witnessed the accused’s weak defense that what started as “just a joke” led to irreversible harm. The mock court ultimately sentenced the defendant to two months imprisonment, a fine of one million Congolese francs, and ordered compensation to the victim.

Jean-Tobie Okala, MONUSCO’s Public Information Officer in Ituri, explained the purpose behind the realistic scenario: “We wanted to show that a rumor, even if shared without malicious intent, can have serious consequences for both individuals and society.”

The event highlighted the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Digital Code, enacted in March 2023, which now imposes strict penalties for spreading false information. Article 360 explicitly states that anyone initiating or sharing false information about another person through digital platforms faces potential imprisonment of one to six months and fines between 500,000 and one million Congolese francs.

The mock trial was part of a broader workshop examining the mechanisms, challenges, and security impacts of disinformation. Approximately 100 young people, including 30 women, participated in sessions focused on how misinformation threatens security in the volatile region.

In Ituri, where armed conflicts persist, the stakes of disinformation are particularly high. Officials noted that false rumors targeting military forces, police, or MONUSCO have previously compromised operations against armed groups. These armed factions have increasingly weaponized social media to manipulate public opinion and undermine institutional credibility.

The choice of the Bunia Court of Appeal as the venue carried symbolic weight. “We wanted to show young people that disinformation can lead to prosecution if they are not careful,” Okala emphasized.

Beyond legal consequences, the workshop explored how disinformation acts as a catalyst for tension in conflict zones, deepening societal divisions. Okala provided a practical framework for responsible information sharing: “Before sharing any information, whether about a public official, a member of the security forces or a neighbor, everyone should ask themselves three questions: Is it true? Is it useful? Is it responsible?”

Participant reactions revealed the event’s impact. Fidèle Kazadi, a law student at the University of Bunia, reflected, “Disinformation is a poison in our society. In a fragile context like Ituri, it becomes a dangerous weapon. Today I realized that it is not enough to forward a message. You must question it, verify the source, and assess the consequences.”

Virginie Kakori, a youth representative from Mbunya, added, “This initiative opened my eyes. Too often we share content without thinking. But behind every rumor, there may be a victim. Disinformation destroys, divides, and threatens peace.”

The initiative represents part of ongoing efforts by MONUSCO to promote media literacy and responsible information sharing in eastern DRC, where misinformation has contributed to intercommunal tensions and complicated peacekeeping efforts. As internet penetration and social media usage grow across the country, advocates stress that combating disinformation requires both institutional frameworks and individual responsibility.

The message was clear: the fight against disinformation begins with basic verification practices before sharing content – a small step with potentially significant implications for peace and stability in the region.