Burundi : the National Communication Council suspends the private media synergy on a 56-month fuel shortage

SOS Médias Burundi

Bujumbura, August 16, 2025 – The National Communication Council (CNC) suspended on Thursday the private media synergy planned by several radio stations and newspapers in the country, including Radio Bonesha FM, Radio Isanganiro, Radio Rema FM, Radio Shima, and Radio Agaseke. This synergy was to address the consequences of the fuel shortage that has been affecting Burundians for 56 months and is affecting their daily lives.

The managers of these media outlets deplore this decision, which they consider an infringement on freedom of expression, and call on the CNC to respect the press law.

A synergy on the fuel shortage

According to customary practice, when a synergy is planned, the media simply need to inform the CNC to obtain an agreement, without any other conditions being imposed. But on Thursday, the CNC refused to hold the synergy, arguing that the proposed topic “does not make sense” and asking the media to provide the information to be broadcast in advance. Media executives refused this requirement, reiterating that editorial offices are sovereign, in accordance with the press law.

An attack on information

For media executives, this decision deprives the population, both nationally and internationally, of essential information. They call on the CNC to guarantee respect for freedom of expression and allow the media to operate in complete independence.

The synergy was also to include the Iwacu press group and the magazines Jimbere and Ingomag. Scheduled for Thursday, August 14, it was funded by La Benevolencija, a Dutch NGO.