The authorities in Burundi have launched a major clampdown on independent media following protests which erupted in the capital city, Bujumbura, after the announcement on 26 April of the candidacy of outgoing President Pierre Nkurunziza in the coming Presidential election. His opponents took to the street, accusing him of violating the two-term limit in the country’s constitution. Security forces run street battles with the protesters and ordered closure of independent media while others had their broadcasts restricted to the capital. Journalists accused the police and the militias loyal to the ruling party of attacks and threats. Their leaders, including Alexandre Niyungeko, the President of the Union burundaise des journalistes(UBJ), an IFJ affiliate have had to into hiding after receiving a tip that they are on a list of people to be killed.
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