The East African
Thursday January 28 2021
Burundi’s President Evariste Ndayishimiye says media has a very important role in citizens’ lives. PHOTO | FILE
Advertisement
Burundi’s President Evariste Ndayishimiye on Thursday urged the country’s media regulatory body (CNC) to hold an urgent meeting with media houses that were banned or sanctioned to discuss possible reopening of the businesses.
“CNC should meet with the media owners so that they can solve this…because media has a very important role in citizens’ lives,” President Ndayishimiye said.
His sentiments bring hope of a more open press in the country.
Media freedom in Burundi began shrinking in 2015 after the failed coup to oust the late former president Pierre Nkurunziza led to a ban on various local radio stations.