BURUNDI: Country Suffers Media Black-Out After Failed Coup Attempt

Burundi's media has been silenced. People no longer walk or sit with have their phone glued to their ear - there is hardly anything left to listen to.

A day after the failed coup attempt of 13th May, three influential radio stations and one widely watched private television channel were destroyed, reportedly by policemen and military said to be loyal to president Pierre Nkurunziza.

Authorities accuse African Public Radio (RPA), Bonesha Radio Sans Frontière (RSF), Radio Isanganiro and Renaissance TV of supporting the protests against President Pierre Nkurunziza's bid to run for a third term in office. The ruling party's radio Rema FM was also destroyed.

This absence of information has left the field free to fear and rumour. It is very difficult to remain informed and many unverified images and stories are circulating on social media. The fear of not knowing what is happening is one of the main factors pushing people to flee the country.



Photo Credit: Reuters