Burundi’s Minister of Finance, Nestor Ntahontuye, is facing public backlash after refusing to provide information to independent media regarding the inclusion of the national health insurance card (CAM) as a funding source in the 2024/2025 state budget. His remarks, made during a media synergy event organized by independent broadcasters on Thursday, have sparked widespread criticism.
When asked about the CAM’s role in financing the state budget, Minister Ntahontuye declined to respond, saying that he does not share information with independent media, particularly regarding government affairs. His statement, reported by the media synergy group, has fueled outrage among journalists and the public alike.
The minister’s refusal to engage with independent media has led to widespread condemnation, with many questioning whether he and other officials are truly serving the interests of the people. One journalist took to social media, writing, “He should resign if he is not willing to inform the people he serves.”
Others expressed concerns over the government’s increasing tendency to withhold public information. “One of the worst things our leaders do is restrict access to public information. This clearly shows an intention to keep the population uninformed about the real situation in the country, under the pretext of avoiding media speculation about ‘state matters.’ This is a form of censorship that should not be tolerated because, in reality, they are privatizing public information,” another journalist remarked.
Critics argue that independent media remain the only truly free press capable of holding the government accountable. “The systematic exclusion of independent media and the official withholding of information align with the ideological patterns of governments that slide into authoritarianism,”a journalist added.
The controversy over media access to official sources persists despite past commitments by the Burundian government to uphold press freedom. In 2021, during a workshop at Kiriri Garden Hotel on The Role and Responsibility of the Media in National Development, Social Cohesion, and Human Rights Protection, President Evariste Ndayishimiye famously declared, “Never without media.” He assured that his administration would support a free and responsible press to promote democracy and freedom of expression.
However, independent media in Burundi continue to face significant challenges in accessing official information, despite laws guaranteeing the right to information. Journalists frequently report instances of government authorities withholding crucial data, undermining transparency and accountability.
The exclusion of independent media raises broader concerns about press freedom in Burundi and the state of governance transparency. Media professionals emphasize that access to government information is not just a privilege but a fundamental right essential for holding authorities accountable.
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