Burundi: Yaga, Burundi magazine allowed to resume operations

SOS Médias Burundi

Bujumbura, April 14, 2025 — After more than two weeks of suspension, the online magazine Yaga Burundi was officially given green light to re-open. The announcement was made this Monday by Espérance Ndayizeye, Chairperson of the National Communication Council (CNC), following an extraordinary plenary meeting.

“After analyzing the developments in the Yaga Burundi case, the council, meeting in an extraordinary plenary meeting on April 14, 2025, decided to permanently lift the suspension of Yaga Burundi magazine,” she said, without answering to journalists’ questions

In a brief speech, Ms. Ndayizeye praised the “patience of Yaga Burundi’s leadership” and invited the media outlet to “contribute to Burundi’s development.”

The suspension of Yaga Burundi, decided on March 27, sparked a wave of reactions on social media. No detailed official reason was provided, fueling speculation of a political sanction. The magazine, widely followed by Burundian youth, is known for its open-minded approach, its investigations, and its critical reflections on Burundian society.

In a post on its social media, Yaga Burundi expressed its gratitude:

“In two weeks of suspension, we have felt, through the messages, the heartwarming calls, the tweets, that every article, every video, every analysis we produce matters. […] Thank you for your support. We promise to continue to do as well, if not better, and to remain faithful to our mission alongside Burundian youth.”

A decision welcomed by press freedom advocates

The news was welcomed by journalists’ rights organizations, which had expressed concern at the time of the media’s suspension.

“The lifting of the suspension of Yaga Burundi is good news, but this measure should never have been taken. We call on the Burundian authorities to ensure a sustainable environment for independent media, free from pressure and censorship,” said a representative of one of these organizations.

In a still fragile media landscape, the reopening of Yaga Burundi is seen as a symbolic victory for press freedom in Burundi, even though numerous challenges remain for Burundian journalists.

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A logo of the Yaga Burundi blogger collective, which was reopened by the National Communication Council, the press regulatory body in Burundi.