Africa

Burundi

{This graph represents scores that have been modified by CIMA so that higher scores indicate a better media situation. It is intended to show trends over time; each index measures significantly different factors of press freedom. To see an explanation for how this graph was created, click here.}
 

IREX Description:

Burundi's fragile political environment, recovering from civil war between the Hutu and Tutsi ethnic groups, continues to pose many challenges and obstacles to the independent media. Although Burundi's constitution supports freedom of the press, the laws are not enforced.

Journalists who dare to question the government or stray into sensitive political territory have been subjected to harassment and prison terms, as seen in several cases in 2009.
In addition to the hostile political atmosphere, Burundian journalists face great practical obstacles in their reporting. The advertising industry remains stunted, and most private media outlets are dependent on NGOs and international donors, making slim efforts toward sustainability. Field correspondents suffer from severe equipment shortages, to the extent that many regional broadcast journalists are reduced to producing written reports. In addition, journalists are not trained adequately, as Burundi remains without schools for journalists. The Burundian media need to address these practical constraints in order for journalists to be able to improve the quality of their work.

Read more on IREX’s site…

Freedom House Description:

• The constitution provides for freedom of expression, but this right is rarely respected in practice.
• Current media legislation is often vague about the offenses for which a journalist may be charged. For example, the 1997 Press Law forbids the dissemination of “information inciting civil disobedience or serving as propaganda for enemies of the Burundian nation during a time of war.” The November 2003 Media Law provides for harsh fines and prison terms of up to five years for the dissemination of information that insults the president or is defamatory toward other individuals. Legislation proposed in 2006 would more accurately define the responsibilities and limitations of journalists, but no progress on this legislation has been made.
• One journalist was imprisoned in 2008. Jean Claude Kavumbagu, the editor of the online Net Press, was arrested and jailed on charges of defamation after reporting about the president’s extravagant spending during an August visit to China. Kavumbagu was being held in pretrial detention at the end of the year.

Read more on Freedom House’s site…

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