Burundi : Nathan Ntahondi faces the challenge of freeing the CNC from its image as an instrument of power

SOS Médias Burundi

Bujumbura, November 6, 2026 — The National Communication Council (CNC), the public body responsible for regulating the media sector in Burundi, has a new president. Nathan Ntahondi was elected unanimously by the 15 members of the institution this Friday. He succeeds Espérance Ndayizeye, who had held the position since 2024. He promises to modernize the Council’s operations, strengthen its relations with the media, and prioritize dialogue in regulating the sector.

The election took place during an extraordinary meeting dedicated to establishing the new CNC board. Nathan Ntahondi received all 15 votes cast.

He succeeds Espérance Ndayizeye, who had led the institution since 2024. The position of Vice-President goes to Léonce Ntakirutimana, who replaces the late Laurent Kaganda. Chanel Nsabimbona remains the Executive Secretary. Yvette Irambona has been appointed Treasurer, while Felyne Munezero now serves as the Legal Counsel.

A specialist in communication and information and communication technologies (ICT), Nathan Ntahondi previously served as Director General of the Burundian Press Publications (PPB). He also chaired the Board of Directors of the Telecommunications Regulatory and Control Agency (ARCT).

As head of the CNC, he has expressed his commitment to implementing reforms to adapt the institution to the evolving media landscape, particularly those related to digital development.

Among his priorities is strengthening ties between the Council and media professionals. He intends to establish regular dialogue to foster a better understanding of regulatory requirements and improve relations between the regulatory body and the media.

The new president also wants to prioritize dialogue in addressing professional misconduct, while encouraging journalists to respect ethical and professional standards.

“My commitment is to make the CNC a modern institution, close to the media, fair in its decisions, and protective of journalists. An institution that regulates through dialogue before resorting to sanctions and that innovates to adapt to the current challenges of the digital age,” said Nathan Ntahondi.

He affirms his desire to realize this vision with the collaboration of the 15 members of the Council. It remains to be seen how these commitments will translate into the institution’s practices and its relations with the media, in a context where press freedom continues to face numerous challenges in Burundi.

A media sector still under pressure

The ambitions expressed by the new president come in a media environment that Reporters Without Borders (RSF) continues to consider challenging for practicing journalism in Burundi.

In its 2026 World Press Freedom Index, published on April 30, RSF ranked Burundi 119th out of 180 countries, with a score of 46.14 out of 100. The country gained six places compared to the previous edition, in which it ranked 125th.

This progress, however, does not mean a substantial improvement in working conditions. RSF denounces, in particular, media surveillance, political pressure, self-censorship in newsrooms, and restrictions imposed on journalists in certain provinces, where they sometimes have to obtain authorization or be accompanied by a representative of a public media outlet to cover certain topics.

The organization also criticizes the CNC’s operations, which it considers to be closely tied to the political power, as its members are appointed by the President of the Republic. It also highlights the precarious economic situation of journalists and the threats they continue to face.

In this context, Nathan Ntahondi’s promises to make the CNC a modern institution, fair in its decisions and protective of journalists, will be particularly anticipated. Their implementation will be an important indicator of the evolving relationship between the regulator and media professionals in Burundi.

…….

Nathan Ntahondi, new president of the National Communication Council (CNC) (DR/SOS Médias Burundi)