Nairobi, Could 20, 2020 — In response to Burundian authorities’ blocking of social media networks throughout immediately’s presidential elections, the Committee to Shield Journalists issued the next assertion:

“Reducing off entry to social media platforms will severely undermine journalists’ capacity to cowl this election, and violates residents’ rights to the well timed data they should make selections and to observe electoral developments,” mentioned CPJ sub-Saharan Africa Consultant Muthoki Mumo. “Authorities in Burundi ought to instantly finish all web disruptions and keep entry within the post-election interval.”

Customers sporadically couldn’t entry WhatsApp and web sites together with Fb, YouTube, and Twitter in Burundi immediately, based on media reports and a statement from the digital rights group Entry Now. Elections are being held within the nation immediately to decide on a successor to President Pierre Nkurunziza, who’s stepping down after 15 years in energy, based on reports. Some customers have been in a position to circumvent the blocks via using digital non-public community (VPN) software program, based on Entry Now.

In a May 18 letter, CPJ and 30 different rights organizations referred to as on President Nkurunziza to keep up web entry throughout and after the elections. The letter famous that no less than three information impartial information websites are blocked within the nation.