Chronique sur les messages de haine : Les médias, une arme à double tranchant

**Burundi: Residents Call for Responsible Media Amid Concerns Over Hate Speech**

*Mwaro, Burundi –* Community members living on the Ngara hill in the Mwaro commune have voiced a shared concern about the impact of hateful messaging in the media. Speaking to local observers, they emphasized that in a society still bearing the scars of past conflicts, the language used by journalists and broadcasters can either foster reconciliation or reignite old divisions.

“The words we hear can bring us together or pull us apart,” said one resident, reflecting a broader sentiment among the neighbourhood. The group collectively asserted that media outlets that disseminate hate speech have no legitimate place in the community.

The remarks were recorded in a chronicle published by the Burundian news outlet **Iwacu**, which highlighted the dual nature of media influence—capable of both uniting and dividing the public. While the article did not name specific media organizations, it underscored the responsibility of journalists to avoid content that could exacerbate tensions.

The concerns arise against a backdrop of Burundi’s ongoing efforts to heal from decades of ethnic and political unrest. Civil society groups and international observers have repeatedly called for media reforms that promote balanced reporting and discourage incitement.

The residents’ statements add to a growing discourse on the role of the press in post‑conflict societies, emphasizing the need for ethical standards that prioritize peacebuilding over sensationalism.

Article source: iwacu-burundi.org | Image credit: IWACU