After a consultation between the CNC and the media owners earlier this month, the Burundi National Communication Council (CNC) on Monday lifted the ban on Bonesha radio.
“On relating to the recommendations by the president on the possible reopening of the media houses under sanctions, Bonesha radio sanctions have been lifted after talks with CNC,” said the chairman of the CNC, Nestor Bankumukunzi.
After the failed coup against former President Pierre Nkurunziza, Bonesha radio, a local radio station, was banned from operating in the country in 2015. Several other local media outlets were barred from operating in the country during the same time, with some suspected of playing a role in the foiled coup.
Laurent Masengo, the new director of Bonesha FM, said: “We are really happy for the decision made by the president to reconsider the reopening of media houses under sanctions,”
President Evariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi called on the CNC last month to sort out the issues for a possible reopening
“Talks are still ongoing on other media houses under sanctions and we have been able to meet media owners on a bilateral level,” said CNC chairman Nestor Bankumukunzi.
According to EastAfrican, other media houses that are still under sanctions are Renaissance TV and RPA radio.
