The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has suspended Canal+ Pop for 45 days. The country’s communication and broadcasting high council (Conseil Supérieur de l'Audiovisuel et de la Communication or CSAC) announced the ban on September 12. The channel was suspended for failing to comply with a ban issued on September 5 against broadcasting the reality show "The Bachelor Afrique," which was deemed immoral and contrary to local mores.

The authorities specifically criticized the African version of the American show for featuring scenes that are against DRC's moral standards. The CSAC press release states, "The Public Prosecutor at the Council of State and the Director General of Renatelsat (public satellite operator in the DRC) are requested to assist in the proper execution of this act."

The suspension also requires Mireille Kabamba, the Director General of Canal+ RDC, to present her defense within 7 days regarding the noted shortcomings.

Canal+ Pop's suspension comes at a time when Canal+ is increasingly important in the DRC. In July 2024, during the launch of Canal+ Impact in the country, the company's management highlighted that it had created over 2,000 direct and indirect jobs and contributed $33 million to Congolese public revenues. Any disruption to its activities in the DRC presents significant economic stakes for both the group and the country.

On a broader level, it's worth noting that the African market is crucial for Canal+, with its share of African subscribers rising from 24.1% in 2019 to 30% in 2023. Africa now accounts for more than 8 million of the group's 26 million subscribers worldwide.

Servan Ahougnon