Elections in Burundi : journalists struggle to leave Bujumbura to cover the vote

SOS Médias Burundi

Bujumbura, June 4, 2025 – On Wednesday evening, on the eve of the legislative and district elections scheduled for Thursday, June 5, 2025, several Burundian journalists remained stranded in Bujumbura, unable to reach their assigned areas due to significant logistical difficulties. This situation threatens media coverage of the election, particularly in sensitive or isolated regions.

As Burundi prepares to hold legislative and district elections, many Burundian journalists are encountering serious logistical difficulties in reaching their assigned areas. Several of them, particularly those assigned to remote regions such as Rutana in the east, Bukinanyana in Cibitoke province in the northwest, and Nyanza-Lac in Makamba province in the south, were still stranded in Bujumbura when the final departures were organized.

Journalists interviewed by SOS Médias Burundi denounced a glaring lack of resources.

“We have no budget, no fuel, and above all, no clear coordination,” one of them confided.

“It’s becoming practically impossible to reach certain isolated communities on time,” he continued.

Some of their so-called “lucky” colleagues are expected to reach their home areas early in the morning, without having had a chance to rest, and will have to begin work immediately in very difficult conditions, sometimes without fully understanding the local realities.

Sensitive areas are also affected, such as those near the Kibira natural reserve, the scene of armed group operations in recent months. The late deployment of journalists compromises comprehensive and effective media coverage, particularly in these regions with security risks.

Only journalists integrated into the media synergy established to cover the elections receive minimal supervision. The others must obtain special accreditation from the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), a process perceived as cumbersome and sometimes dissuasive.

Many fear they will not be able to carry out their mission in good conditions, a situation that risks hampering the transparency of the election throughout the country.

In Bujumbura, several journalists remained gathered at the Maison de la Presse, waiting for vehicles or fuel. “The vehicles are being refueled. We’re waiting for the situation to improve before we can leave. It’s exhausting,” confided a member of the media synergy organization on Wednesday evening around 9 p.m.

In discussion groups among news professionals, few dared to comment openly on the situation. Some downplay it, citing a controlled situation, while others prefer to remain silent for fear of reprisals.