Yousra Elbagir, a journalist for Sky News, revealed she was harassed on Sunday, January 26, 2025, while reporting in Goma, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The incident occurred when a group of individuals mistakenly identified her as Rwandan, an identity increasingly targeted in the region.
In a video posted on social media, Elbagir recounted the ordeal, noting that her team, including a cameraman, faced significant hostility.
“This morning […] our team was harassed by Congolese citizens who thought I looked Rwandan,” she said. “They heavily targeted us, especially our cameraman. It is fair to say that there is immense fear and tension among the people over what might come next.”
The harassment highlights escalating violence against individuals perceived as Rwandan or Kinyarwanda speakers in eastern DRC. The region has been marred by decades of ethnic strife, with tensions reigniting alongside the resurgence of the M23 rebel group.
The M23, which claims to protect the Congolese Tutsi community from persecution, has been locked in conflict with the Congolese army and allied militias, including the genocidal FDLR militia. This conflict has fueled xenophobic sentiments, with many equating Kinyarwanda speakers with foreign interference, particularly from Rwanda.
Recent reports have documented a sharp rise in attacks on Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese, including harassment, displacement, and killings. Observers warn that the inflammatory rhetoric and scapegoating could further destabilize the already volatile region.
Yousra Elbagir is a British journalist of Sudanese descent who has built a reputation for covering critical stories across Africa. Her work often delves into conflict, governance, and human rights issues, showcasing her dedication to nuanced reporting in challenging environments.
Despite her background and international credentials, Elbagir’s experience in Goma underscores the dangers journalists face in regions fraught with deep-rooted tensions.
Elbagir’s experience is a stark reminder of the precarious environment for journalists, aid workers, and civilians in eastern DRC. The targeting of individuals based on perceived ethnicity reflects the extent of polarization in the region, complicating efforts to foster peace and reconciliation.
With ethnic tensions and violence continuing to escalate, the safety of those working to report on or alleviate the crisis remains a critical concern. The harassment of Elbagir and her team underscores the urgent need for greater protections for journalists and other vulnerable groups operating in conflict zones.
As the conflict in eastern DRC persists, incidents like this highlight the ongoing struggle to ensure accountability and peace in a region beset by decades of instability and mistrust.
