Burundi's media landscape was once regarded as one of the most dynamic in the Great Lakes region, but it has been considerably impoverished since the failed coup attempt in 2015 and the ensuing crisis. Several radio stations were destroyed or forced into exile, particularly to Rwanda. Radio-Télé Isanganiro, Bonesha FM and the Iwacu press group — which was censored from 2017 to 2022 — are among the most popular independent media outlets. Radio Rema FM and the national radio and TV broadcaster RTNB also enjoy a large audience although they are dedicated to defending and promoting the government. 

After President Pierre Nkurunziza’s death in 2020, his successor, Gen. Ndayishimiye, promised to normalise relations with the media but that promise has been slow to materialise. The CNDD-FDD, the ruling party since 2005, is a party-state that does not tolerate dissent. The media are closely monitored to the point that, in some provinces, journalists must have authorisation or be accompanied by a state media journalist to be able to cover certain subjects. The media are policed by the National Communication Council (CNC), whose members are appointed by the president and which is completely subservient to the government.

Freedom of expression is guaranteed by the Constitution and the country’s press law. A new press law was enacted in July 2024, revising certain provisions of the 2018 legislation and improving the conditions for practicing journalism by partially decriminalising press offenses. This law eliminates custodial sentences for offenses such as insults or harmful allegations. Ahead of the 2025 elections, the CNC also adopted a media code of conduct for the electoral period, imposing strict restrictions — notably the prohibition on publishing partial results without the approval of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) — which has sparked strong criticism.

Burundi is one of the world’s poorest countries and its advertising market is very limited. Burundian journalists live in very precarious financial circumstances, with an average salary of less than 600,000 BIF (approximately 170 EUR). It is therefore very difficult for a media outlet to survive without support from the government, international NGOs or other entities.

Thanks to the government’s methods, fear is deeply entrenched both in Burundian society as a whole and within media outlets, where self-censorship is the norm. When out reporting, journalists are often greeted by a "welcome committee", a group of people selected by the authorities who are not free to say what they think. The government sees journalists as “patriots in need of training.” The fuel crisis, which has been affecting the country for several years, is a taboo subject: several journalists have been threatened or have had their reports on the subject censored by the CNC before they could be broadcast.

Burundian journalists live in fear of being threatened, attacked or arrested. Attacks on journalists are not uncommon, particularly those from Iwacu: the newspaper’s offices have been pelted with stones and its employees have been victims of attempted abductions, beatings, threats and more. Repression can come from the authorities or from ruling party activists. Media professionals are particularly targeted by the charge of “undermining the integrity of the national territory.” Those responsible for violence against journalists enjoy total impunity. Iwacu reporter Jean Bigirimana went missing in 2016 and — despite a change of government in 2020 — the authorities still show no interest in shedding light on the case, which could implicate the authorities in power at that time.