“Burundi authorities must allow for re-opening of media,” say FoE organisations
In a concerted address, international press freedom organisations urge Burundi’s authorities to allow for a re-opening of the country’s media, also in light of upcoming elections in late June
Joint call released 22 June 2015
The undersigned press freedom, media development and human rights organisations are very concerned by the continued closure of independent media outlets and the consequent lack of access to reliable information in Burundi. Furthermore, we denounce the attacks and threats on journalists, media workers and media institutions.
This is particularly concerning given the scheduled upcoming legislative and presidential elections (June 29 and July 15 respectively). Free, fair, reliable and independent media play a crucial role in the electoral process and without it Burundians will not have the information they need to make informed decisions in the upcoming polls thereby undermining the credibility of these elections.
To that end, we call on the Burundian authorities to allow for the re-opening and functioning of independent media and allow them to operate from the Maison de la Presse or from wherever they may find facilities, given that the major radio stations have been destroyed. We also encourage the authorities to allow for the rebuilding and re-equipping of these media houses.
We also encourage the authorities to ensure that the more than 50 journalists and media workers who have sought refuge in neighboring countries are allowed to return safely to Burundi without fear of prosecution or persecution.
Finally, we encourage dialogue between authorities and media as well as between authorities and opposition as well as between authorities and the United Nations Special Envoy to the Great Lakes to create conditions conducive to holding free, fair, inclusive and peaceful elections.
Signed:
Jesper Højberg, Executive Director, International Media Support
Toby Mendel, Executive Director, Centre for Law and Democracy
Leon Willems, Director, Free Press Unlimited
Caroline Giraud, Coordinator, Global Forum for Media Development
Tina Carr, Director, Rory Peck Trust
Ernest Sagaga, Head, Human Rights and Safety, International Federation of Journalists
Caroline Vuillemin, Director of Operations, Fondation Hirondelle
Alice Klein, President, Canadian Journalists for Free Expression
Daniel Calingaert, Executive Vice President, Freedom House
Thomas Hughes, Executive Director, Article 19
Tamsin Mitchell, Americas/Africa Researcher and Campaigner, PEN International
Barbara Trionfi, Executive Director, International Press Institute
Carina Tertsakian, Senior Researcher on Burundi and Rwanda, Human Rights Watch
Christophe Deloire, Secretary General, Reporters without Borders
Cyprien Ndikumana, Director General, Panos Grands Lacs
Sue Valentine, Africa Program Coordinator, Committee to Protect Journalists
