Burundi: "Journalists; it is now more than ever time to play their true role as the fourth estate"

This approach adopted by the media aims to reduce all rumors surrounding the coronavirus flu pandemic and others because rumors kill more than a pandemic.

The president of the National Platform for Risk Prevention and Disaster Reduction CP Antoine Ntemako understands the role of the journalist in such crises in the sense that informing the community is of great importance to prevent and thus call on decision-makers to make decisions that can thwart fires or other crises.

Several recommendations were issued according to the role to be played by each stakeholder

For the Secretary General of the Red Cross, Anselme Katiyunguruza, in the current crises: "those of natural disasters and the coronavirus pandemic, the media must adopt this approach of community care because it is the only safest and most effective way to resolve such problems. And reduce the spread of rumors".

For their part, journalists asked all holders or sources (Those responsible for managing disasters, health especially the COVID-19 pandemic and CENI as preparations are made for elections) of information to be a bit courteous and available to provide assured and confident information by organizing either press conferences or exchange workshops in order to avoid any rumor surrounding the coronavirus flu currently in the headlines or other situations.

The commitments of all stakeholders in this workshop

At the end of the meeting, each party committed to a mission to be carried out in the face of the pandemic and the upcoming elections.

The Red Cross will continue to play its role as a public auxiliary by taking part in large gatherings, providing first aid care and making available hand-washing kits.

Media professionals committed to organizing themselves to closely monitor the implementation of measures taken by the government and to denounce each time these measures are not respected and also to promote civic education especially for this pre-election period in order to encourage the Burundian people to embrace political tolerance.

By Freddy bin Sengi