Burundi: less than 25% of journalists have had the press card
This Friday, the CNC (National Communication Council) launched the renewal of the press card. However, very few journalists obtained their professional card. The CNC explains some files do not meet the criteria as others delayed to reach them. INFO SOS Médias Burundi
Out of a thousand journalists seeking the card, only nearly 240 cards were granted, according to Vestine Nahimana, president of the CNC.
“The cards distributed are still very few compared to the demand counted at a thousand. Many journalists did not get their card because they did not meet the professional criteria to obtain the press card. Others did not file their document on time,” she explained.
For those who have had it, she challenges them to make good use of it.
“[…], this card opens the door for journalists to access sources of information,” Nahimana insisted.
To have this new press card, one of the conditions was to file a work contract and a payment of 15 thousand Burundian francs, as well as the delivery of the old card whose validity has expired.
The new card has a duration of five years.
Since the 2015 crisis sparked by another controversial term of the late President Pierre Nkurunziza, Burundian authorities have often been accused of “harassing the media”.
But over the past three years, the small East African nation has moved up 53 places on the press freedom ranking compiled by RSF (Reporters Without Borders) from 160th to 107th place.
The ranking assesses the conditions for practicing journalism in 180 countries and territories.
You might also like
Burundi : violence, abuse, and alleged torture… FDNB officers implicated in two serious cases
SOS Médias Burundi Burundi, May 13, 2026 — Two cases involving officers of the FDNB (Burundi National Defense Force) have been shaking the province of Burunga, in southern Burundi, for
Burundi: viongozi wakataza mashirika ya kutetea haki za manusura wa mauwaji ya watutsi kutoa heshma kwa watu wao
Viongozi wa burundi wamekataza mashirika yote ya kutetea haki za jamii ya watutsi, manusura na wazazi kuelekea kwenye mnara wa Kwibubu ili kuomboleza kifo cha wanafunzi 150 wa jamii ya
Bujumbura : grumbles from local sorghum beer sellers
After a press release on security from the administrator of the urban district of Muha, in the commercial capital Bujumbura, ordering sellers of local sorghum beer to no longer let