Burundi : CEPID raises alarm about deteriorating working conditions for journalists

SOS Médias Burundi

Bujumbura, February 11, 2026 – The Center for the Promotion of Information and Development (CEPID) is sounding the alarm about the working conditions of journalists in the small east African nation. The organization cites meager salaries, limited access to sources of information – particularly from the authorities – and numerous difficulties encountered in the field. According to CEPID, these constraints seriously hinder the practice of journalism and press freedom.

In its annual report on the media landscape, published Tuesday, February 10, the CEPID (Center for Information and Communication Technologies) notes that, according to the 2025 World Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), Burundi ranks 125th out of 180 countries, a drop of 17 places compared to the previous year.

For Patrick Niyonkuru, president of the CEPID, this negative trend reflects a continued deterioration of the media environment. He believes it confirms the persistent difficulties faced by media professionals.

Niyonkuru also criticizes the role of the National Communication Council (CNC), arguing that it is not fully fulfilling its mission of support and regulation. He points out that the Burundian law guarantees freedom of the press and freedom of expression, and calls on the government to uphold the Constitution in order to ensure a favorable environment for journalists.

The CEPID emphasizes that radio remains the primary source of information for the population. The organization also welcomes the growth of online media, despite a still limited internet penetration rate largely concentrated in urban centers, which poses a major challenge to fair access to information.

The center also denounces poor working conditions and insufficient pay, factors which, according to them, continue to weaken the sector.

Patrick Niyonkuru also mentions what he calls indirect and administrative censorship. He cites, in particular, the temporary suspension of programs, official warnings, and reprimands issued by the CNC (National Communication Council) against media outlets accused of “ethical breaches” or “imbalance in the coverage of political information.”

He calls on the government to strengthen institutional safeguards to ensure the safety of journalists in order to prevent the recurrence of attacks against them. It also recommends that the CNC and other relevant institutions prioritize dialogue and proportionate administrative sanctions to avoid the imprisonment of journalists or the suspension of media outlets for breaches of ethical standards.

While the authorities acknowledge certain challenges, they regularly present the Burundian media landscape as one of the most successful in the region.