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USAID/OTI Burundi Hot Topic

October 2004

During an October 12 ceremony, U.S. Ambassador James Yellin presented media broadcasting equipment on behalf of USAID/OTI to Minister of Communications, Onesime Nduwimana, who accepted the donation on behalf of state-funded Burundi National Radio and Television (RTNB). Ambassador Yellin reiterated the U.S. government’s commitment to freedom of the press and support for democracy. Minister Nduwimana thanked Ambassador Yellin for the timeliness of the donation, explaining that national media has an important role to play in safeguarding peace in Burundi. He remarked that wider dissemination and better sound quality of news programs will help inform Burundians about the electoral process and allow them to more freely express their views and opinions on current events.

U.S. Ambassador James Yellin presents media equipment to Minister of Communications Onesime Nduwimana, who accepts on behalf of RTNB Director General Léonidas Hakizimana.

Before receiving support from OTI’s Community-based Peace and Reconciliation Initiative (CPRI), RTNB’s Technical Director, Noel Batungwanayo, struggled to find sufficient equipment to cover daily news events. Due to a shortage of recording equipment, deteriorating machinery and a lack of spare parts, RTNB’s programs were generally of poor sound and visual quality. CPRI donated audiovisual analog/digital consoles, editing and mixing units, computers and software, digital cameras, video monitors, spare parts and other items. Thanks to CPRI’s donation of technical equipment, the media outlet can now deploy more than four radio and television crews to cover public events nationwide. The equipment will also enable the station to adequately transition from the antiquated analogue to numerical modes of broadcast production, improve program quality, and increase listenership and viewership.

CPRI supports RTNB and independent RSF Bonesha FM in order to increase public knowledge on issues related to Burundi’s peace process and political transition. OTI grants provide for broadcasting equipment, the recruitment of local correspondents, media outreach campaigns and coverage of local, national and regional events that affect the peace process. As the end of the country’s transition period nears, ensuring that all Burundians have access to timely and balanced information regarding current events is critical to the peace process’ success. Since February 2004, OTI has invested $602,770 in media activities through twenty-five small grants.

For further information, please contact:
In Washington, D.C.: Carlisle J. Levine, Program Manager at 202-712-0955 or clevine@usaid.gov