France's RFI radio back on air in DR Congo

Kinshasa has temporarily cut RFI's signal to protest its post-election coverage in the country. By Joel Saget (AFP/File)

KINSHASA (AFP) - France's RFI international radio network Monday was allowed to resume operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo after broadcasts were cut at the start of the year over its election coverage.

Communications Minister Lambert Mende defended the move telling AFP that the network "had wanted to create a confused situation which could lead to clashes between the Congolese".

Kinshasa has temporarily cut RFI's signal to protest its post-election coverage in the country where incumbent Joseph Kabila was proclaimed president even though international observers denounced the polls as flawed.

From July 2009 until October 2010, Kinshasa totally shut down RFI, which was accused of demoralising the army.

The January 1 shutdown was condemned by Paris while the United States urged Kinshasa to resume Radio France Internationale broadcasts.