Burundi

Burundi should adopt a robust personal data protection law and protect freedom of expression in accordance with international human rights standards.

Burundi is a country located in East Africa with a population estimate of 12.6 million. Political instability, ethnic-based violence and episodes of civil war between the Tutsi and Hutu ethnic groups since the country’s independence from Belgium have had long-lasting impacts on economic development, politics and human rights in the country. Its 2005 Constitution includes the right to privacy, association, assembly, expression and others. However, the protection of these rights in the online space is limited. For example, Burundi’s Penal Code and Press Law, 2015 both pose huge threats to the protection of online rights. These laws have also been used to arrest and harass journalists. In addition to this, Burundi has constantly threatened the civic space with arbitrary suspension of civil society organisations. The country also needs a data protection law and an independent communications regulator that must be committed to apply international human rights standards to its various practices.

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  3.3%

  Households with internet access in 2017

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  9%

  Individuals using internet in 2020

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  0

  Fixed Broadband Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants in 2017

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  107/180

  Press Freedom Ranking in 2022