Disturbing threats against the bastion of Burundian independent press
A series of alarming incidents involving journalists from the independent news outlet Iwacu Press Group raises serious concerns about their ongoing safety.
Floriane Irangabiye’s health deteriorates during year-long detention
Burundian authorities have failed to provide journalist Floriane Irangabiye with the necessary medical care she requires.
Justice demanded for Burundian journalist Jean Bigirimana
President Évariste Ndayishimiye’s administration is asked to investigate the disappearance of news website reporter Jean Bigirimana, who went missing 7 years ago.
Harsh penalty for Burundian journalist Floriane Irangabiye
Broadcast journalist Floriane Irangabiye is sentenced to 10 years in prison on spurious charge of “endangering the integrity of the national territory”.
Journalist arrested, sexually assaulted during her on-going detention in Burundi
Rwanda-based Burundian journalist Floriane Irangabiye is arrested by police upon her return to her home country; although she has not been formally charged, she is accused of working with armed opposition groups and espionage.
BBC ban by Burundi lifted
Three years after the BBC was suspended from broadcasting in Burundi, the ban has been lifted by the country’s media regulator.
Burundi president accuses journalist of inflating COVID-19 figures
As Burundi experiences a surge in COVID-19 cases, President Évariste Ndayishimiye accuses journalist Esdras Ndikumana of inflating figures.
Colleagues recall the legacy of “Iwacu” journalist Jean Bigirimana
The case of Burundian journalist Jean Bigirimana, who disappeared in 2016, remains unsolved.
Burundian president has mixed media freedom scorecard
A year into his rule, Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye has taken several corrective measures, but has yet to make meaningful decisions to transform the restrictive media freedom and civic space.
Africa’s handling of COVID-19 marred by abuse of power
The continent’s initially successful response to the pandemic was tainted by denialism, corruption and weaponisation of social media across several countries.
The irony of Burundi’s media awards
Burundi’s state-controlled awards illustrate the paradoxical media landscape in the country, as police scoop the top award while the print media category is awarded to a journalist in hiding as a way to flush him out.
AFEX condemns unfair sentencing of Burundi journalists
Regional organisation AFEX is calling on Burundian authorities to reconsider the sentencing handed out to the #IWACU4 and unconditionally release the journalists.
Media clampdown designed to silence criticism and independent reporting
Authorities in Burundi have expanded the suspension of the Voice of America, withdrawn the BBC’s operating licence and forbidden citizens from directly or indirectly providing information to the two institutions.
Pierre Claver Mbonimpa: A profille
As the crisis in Burundi threatens to tip back into civil war with escalating killings of demonstrators and government opponents, at its epicentre is the calm figure of human rights defender Pierre Claver Mbonimpa.