Burundi : National Council of Communication launches dialogue with suspended media
RegionWeek Newsletter Vol IV, Issue #154 | Monday, February 1, 2021
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Dear Readers,
This Monday the Burundi Communication Council, (CNC in the french acronym) met in Bujumbura with representatives of Media under sanctions. It was a preliminary meeting that followed President Ndayishimiye's call for dialogue between CNC and the suspended media.
Representatives of international BBC and VOA radio stations, suspended in May 2018, took part in this meeting. Attended also the director of radio Bonesha FM. Journal Iwacu, Ikiriho, and Nawe online newspapers were present.
According to participants, the CNC intends, as soon as possible, to organize individualized sessions so that each case is thoroughly studied.
In a statement, media officials and professional organizations close to the opposition based in Rwanda, victims of suspension, ban, closure, and various destruction, believe that press freedom can not be restored in the current situation where other freedoms and rights do not exist in Burundi.
They believe that a global and inclusive dialogue with all the actors of Burundian society is essential to restore public freedoms, citizens' rights, and security for all.
Commenting on the statement one of the signatories, Bob Rugurika Head of Radio Publique Africaine tweeted this :
“The Media RPA, RT Renaissance, and the UBJ (Burundian Union of Journalists) express themselves on the call of the President. They are ready to do everything to restore the rule of law to Burundi.”
Reacting to his comment, the Head of Information and Communications Division, Office of the President, Amb. Willy Nyamitwe tweeted:
“As if in Burundi there was no rule of law? What game are the signatories of this document playing, known for their active participation in the attempt to overthrow the rule of law in 2015? President Ndayishimiye reaches out to those who can make amends.”
On 28 September, Burundi's National Council for Communication (CNC) said Radio Publique Africaine, Radio Bonesha, Radio Renaissance, and Télévision Renaissance were having their licenses rescinded for spending more than three months without broadcasting and for "failing to sort out their judicial status in time."
The organization defending and promoting freedom of expression, Reporter Sans Frontières, said last week that it has welcomed the intention to resolve the issue of banned or suspended media such as the BBC and VOA. For RSF, after releasing the 4 journalists from the Iwacu Newspaper, President Evariste Ndayishimiye's appeal to the regulator to settle disputes with the banned media is welcome. RSF speaks of "encouraging signals for the country's journalists".
Speaking to VOA, Amb. Willy Nyamitwe explained that what motivated President Ndayishimiye to Call for dialogue stems from his slogan: “Turi kumwe twese, birashoboka” which means, “if we are all together it’s possible”. According to him, President Ndaysihimiye considers journalists as a significant segment of the population. They are called upon to contribute to building Burundi.
About CNC
The CNC is an independent administrative authority responsible for ensuring the freedom of writing, audio-visual and electronic communication in compliance with the law, of public order, and good morals. The regulation of all media operating on Burundian territory, whatever their legal status, falls within the competence of the Council. The Council has decision-making power in matters of respect for and promotion of press freedom while playing an advisory role to the Government on all questions relating to the press and communication.
IN THE REGION
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Comesa: Uganda to launch ISO Compliant Driving Licence
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Since the TTTFP Baseline Survey of 2018 on Uganda’s level of compliance with the proposed harmonized Tripartite road transport policies, laws, regulations, standards, and systems, Uganda has already amended her Traffic and Road Safety Act of 1998, a process that was completed in May 2020, to enable harmonization through inter alia, adoption of the ISO Driver Licence Categories, Driving Licence Card Format and Professional Driving Permit (PrDP). Uganda has redesigned the Driver Licence Card in accordance with the TTTFP standard specification. (COMESA)
Thanks for reading, Have a productive month of February!
Fabrice Iranzi, Editor in Chief
RegionWeek.com
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