Burundian media outlets are facing significant operational challenges due to persistent power outages and fuel shortages across the country, impacting their ability to broadcast regularly. Radiotélévision Isanganiro (RTI) issued a statement on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, apologizing to its audience for program disruptions directly attributable to electricity cuts and a lack of fuel to power generators. The issues show the broader infrastructure problems affecting essential services in Burundi.
The impact of these disruptions was exemplified during an interview on RTI with the president of Uprona. The scheduled one-hour broadcast was abruptly cut short, running for only ten minutes before a power failure interrupted the program. Such incidents highlight the precarious nature of media operations amidst the ongoing energy crisis.
Alain Niyomucamanza, editor-in-chief at Bonesha FM, detailed the extent of the problem, reporting that his station frequently experiences power outages lasting over three hours. He also noted instances of flickering electricity, which causes further instability for broadcasting equipment. These intermittent power issues force media houses to rely heavily on generators, exacerbating the demand for scarce fuel.
Operational Disruptions and Financial Strain
Radiotélévision Isanganiro (RTI), a prominent media outlet, experienced a full day without broadcasting due to the energy crisis. This extended disruption has led to a significant alteration in its programming schedule. Emissions such as 'Aho Iwanyu havugwa amaki?', 'Yaga Kibondo', and 'Tweho', which were previously regular features on RTI, are no longer broadcast consistently. The lack of reliable power and fuel has forced the station to make these adjustments, impacting its audience reach and content delivery.
Another affected station, Radio Shima FM, also faces considerable operational hurdles. The station can experience diffusion stoppages that last for two to three hours at a time. Such interruptions directly hinder its ability to maintain continuous programming and serve its listeners. The reliance on generators to mitigate power outages has become a financial burden for media houses. The black market price for a 20-liter jerrycan of fuel currently ranges between 300,000 and 350,000 BIF, a cost that many stations find increasingly unsustainable.
The financial impact of these disruptions is substantial for local media. Radio Indundi Culture, for instance, recorded a loss exceeding 3 million BIF between July 27 and August 31. This figure notes the severe economic consequences of operational interruptions and the increased costs associated with maintaining broadcasting capabilities. The situation has not improved for the station; since September 1, Radio Indundi Culture has been experiencing daily losses of approximately 300,000 BIF. These ongoing financial drains threaten the sustainability of independent media in Burundi, forcing stations to operate under constant economic pressure while trying to deliver news and information to their audiences. The cumulative effect of these challenges places significant strain on the financial viability and operational capacity of media organizations across the country.
Impact on Information and Journalism
The ongoing power and fuel crises in Burundi have significantly disrupted media operations, directly impacting journalists' ability to deliver information and maintain programming. A journalist from Radiotélévision Isanganiro (RTI) stated she has been unable to host her live show for two consecutive Sundays. "Ça fait deux dimanches successifs que je n’ai pas pu tenir mon émission en direct," the journalist reported, adding that listeners frequently inquire about the show's status. "Les auditeurs m’appellent souvent pour demander si l’émission n’existe plus. Quand on monte à l’intérieur du pays, les gens nous demandent ce qui se passe." The journalist also recounted an incident where a guest had to leave because the program could not proceed. "Notre invité a été obligé de rentrer. Les auditeurs sont frustrés et n’arrêtent pas de nous demander des comptes," the journalist explained, expressing the frustration of preparing content that ultimately cannot be broadcast. "Imaginez quand tu as enregistré une source, quand tu es parti sur le terrain et que l’émission ne passe pas. Tu te sens gêné et redevable."
Alain Désiré Bukeyeneza, editor-in-chief at RTI, confirmed that journalists at his station face substantial challenges, including difficulties commuting to work due to widespread fuel shortages. He also noted the frequent electricity cuts that impede their work once they arrive. These issues collectively hinder the regular production and dissemination of news and current affairs programs.
The Groupe de Presse Iwacu, a prominent media organization, is also experiencing significant disruptions across its entire paper journal production chain. The power cuts and fuel shortages affect every stage, from editing and printing to the key final step of distribution. This situation delays the delivery of newspapers to readers and limits their reach across the country.
Léandre Sikuyavuga, associated with Groupe de Presse Iwacu, showed the broader implications for journalistic practice. He explained that gathering information on the ground is an essential, fuel-intensive activity for journalists. The current fuel scarcity directly leads to fewer investigations and a reduction in direct testimonies from sources. Sikuyavuga emphasized the importance of external support for media organizations in these challenging times. "Aider les médias à disposer d’électricité, de carburant et de moyens de reportage ne serait pas leur faire un cadeau : ce serait contribuer à garantir au citoyen l’exercice effectif de son droit à l’information," he stated. He further stressed that any such assistance must be impartial and without editorial conditions. "cette aide ne doit avoir ni couleur politique ni contrepartie éditoriale." The cumulative effect of these challenges is a diminished capacity for media outlets to fulfill their role in informing the public, impacting the quality and timeliness of news available to citizens.
Media Leaders' Concerns and Calls
Espérance Ndayizeye, president of the Conseil National de la Communication (CNC), stated that the Council is unable to directly resolve the problems associated with electricity cuts affecting media operations. The CNC's role does not extend to infrastructure management, leaving media outlets to cope with the energy crisis on their own.
Mireille Kanyange, president of Maison de la Presse, noted the broader societal impact of the disruptions, noting that the current situation deprives listeners and viewers of diversified information. This limitation restricts the public's access to a variety of perspectives and news sources.
Jean Mitterrand Ndayegamiye, president of the Collectif des radios communautaires, characterized the situation as "extremely difficult" for community media outlets. These stations often operate with limited resources, making them particularly vulnerable to the added financial and logistical burdens imposed by power outages and fuel shortages. Their ability to serve local populations with relevant information is severely hampered.
Charles Makoto, president of the Association burundaise des Radiodiffuseurs (ABR), emphasized the continued importance of radio in Burundi, stating that it remains an essential means of information access for a large segment of the population. The disruptions to radio broadcasting therefore have significant implications for public awareness and communication across the country. The collective concerns show the urgent need for solutions to support media sustainability.
Proposed Solutions and Future Outlook
The ongoing challenges faced by Burundian media outlets due to power and fuel shortages necessitate a multifaceted approach to ensure their continued operation and the public's right to information. Media leaders and organizations have consistently advocated for external assistance, emphasizing that such support should be impartial and free from editorial conditions. The financial strain on stations, evidenced by significant losses and the high cost of black market fuel, indicates a need for sustainable economic models or direct aid to mitigate operational expenses.
Addressing the root causes of the energy crisis, including improving electricity supply and fuel availability, remains critical for long-term stability. While the Conseil National de la Communication (CNC) acknowledges its limited capacity to intervene directly in infrastructure issues, collaborative efforts between government bodies, civil society, and international partners could explore mechanisms to stabilize energy access for critical services, including media. Initiatives supporting the acquisition of alternative energy sources, such as solar power, could offer a degree of resilience against grid failures and fuel scarcity. Ultimately, the sustainability of independent media in Burundi hinges on both immediate relief measures and strategic investments in infrastructure to ensure a consistent operating environment.