Calls for Reinstatement of Banned Media In Burundi Continue

Last month Amnesty International stated that the decision to block broadcasts from 2 international media organisations and extend restrictions on their operations was a clear crack down on freedom of expression within Burundi.

In response to the Burundian government’s decision to ban the BBC operating in the country and their continued suspension of the VOA, Amnesty international’s Regional Director noted;

"The withdrawal of the BBC's operating license and continued suspension of the VOA are further brazen efforts by the Burundian authorities to silence the media.

"The government has also forbidden any journalists in the country from sharing information with the BBC and VOA that could be broadcast. This decision is nothing more than a further ploy to stifle freedom of expression, which has been under siege since the start of the political crisis in April 2015.

"Burundian authorities must stop treating the media with contempt and immediately reinstate the BBC and VOA's crucial radio broadcasting services, which are crucial to ensuring an independent and diverse media in the country and fulfilling people's right to information."

The BBC have condemned the decision calling it ‘a serious blow against media freedom.’

As of today, the BBC and VOA remained banned.