Burundian Parliament : private media banned

SOS Médias Burundi

Bujumbura, August 22, 2025 – Private media could soon be banned from covering parliamentary activities in Burundi. Even the public press would only be allowed in exceptional circumstances, raising fears of a significant decline in democratic transparency.

A decision appears to be looming at the National Assembly : private media would no longer be allowed to cover parliamentary activities, including plenary sessions. No official confirmation has been given, but several indications point to a tightening of access to parliamentary information.

In recent days, journalists have reported being removed without explanation from the Assembly’s internal messaging groups, used to share official information, agendas, and press releases. Several editorial offices have attempted to obtain clarification, without success.

End of live broadcasts

Another worrying measure : the ban on live broadcasts of parliamentary debates. The August 19 session, which was supposed to be public, was neither covered by the media nor broadcast live. This is a first that has sparked outrage in journalistic circles.

“Members of Parliament must be accountable to their constituents. Restricting access to parliamentary information sets a serious precedent in a country that claims to be democratic,” confided a journalist on condition of anonymity.

Towards institutional opacity?

Until recently, accredited journalists could freely follow the activities of the National Assembly. Now, even official platforms, previously sources of secondary information, are no longer accessible.

Since the majority of members of the National Assembly come from the ruling party, the CNDD-FDD, some observers fear a unilateral and opaque management of public affairs. The lack of political diversity in the lower house makes the presence of independent media essential to ensure a minimum of citizen oversight.

By restricting access to parliamentary information, some see it as an attempt to further restrict public space and suppress institutional debate.