The Media and Human Rights in Burundi

Abstract

Burundi is a small, central African, agricultural country of 27,834 square kilometres. Burundians speak one language (Kirundi) and live so intermingled that an outside observer cannot easily identify the four ethnic groups (Bahutu, Batutsi, Batwa, and Baganwa) if he relies solely on scientific theories advanced by anthropologists and ethnologists. These groups’ struggle for power is the major factor that would help in identifying and understanding them. The Hutu, the largest part of the population (85%), have been excluded from power for many years. The Tutsi, on the contrary, a minority representing ten to fifteen per cent of the population has historically exercised political, military and economic power. Other ethnic groups include the Twa, a minority descendant of a hunting population, and the Ganwa descending from Burundi former royal family.