TikTok influencer Denise Dusauchoy placed in provisional detention in DR Congo

Denise Dusauchoy, a Congolese TikTok influencer also known as Denise Mukendi, has been placed in provisional detention after appearing before prosecutors in the Democratic Republic of Congo on Wednesday, Sept. 2.

Judicial sources said she is being prosecuted over several acts that could constitute offenses under Congolese law. They said she is particularly suspected of using social media to praise the subversive activities of rebels from the AFC/M23 coalition.

The appearance before prosecutors formed part of proceedings already opened against Dusauchoy and followed an arrest warrant issued by the competent judicial authority. The first elements gathered during questioning reportedly revealed what prosecutors considered serious indications. Prosecutors also reportedly judged provisional detention necessary because of a possible flight risk.

The same judicial sources stressed that Dusauchoy would retain the rights of the defense and the guarantees of a fair trial throughout the proceedings, in line with criminal procedure rules in the DRC and international standards.

The Congolese Justice Ministry confirmed on Tuesday, Sept. 1, that Tanzanian authorities had arrested Dusauchoy on Aug. 30 under a warrant issued by Congolese justice officials. The ministry said the arrest followed several judicial steps linked to criminal cases still under investigation. Those steps began in 2025, when the prosecutor general at the Court of Cassation sent three international letters rogatory to Belgian judicial authorities in October and November.