Media

Isanganiro journalist in eastern province forbidden to do his job

Jean Claude Nshimirimana, Radio Isanganiro correspondent in Ruyigi eastern province is no longer allowed to report in that locality. The decision has been taken by Ruyigi Governor, Hassan Abdallah, this 7 February.

Jean-Claude Nshimirimana: «There were SNR and provincial education officials in the governor's office»Jean-Claude Nshimirimana: «There were SNR and provincial education officials in the governor's office»

Jean-Claude Nshimirimana: «There were SNR and provincial education officials in the governor’s office»Jean-Claude Nshimirimana: «There were SNR and provincial education officials in the governor’s office»

Mr Abdallah had summoned journalist Jean-Claude Nshimirimana to shed light on his report related to “2020 Elections contributions” requested from the headmasters and teaching staff in addition to the withdrawal made on their salaries.

During the interrogation, the governor of Ruyigi was accompanied by the head of the Intelligence Services in Ruyigi Province, the provincial inspector of education and the provincial director of education.

After the interview, the Governor of Ruyigi announced the decision. “It is strictly forbidden for me to give any information related to this province”, says the Isanganiro Correspondent. In case of non-compliance with this decision, he says, the governor told me that I would be imprisoned without any other form of trial. “I am accused of “undermining public order,” says Nshimirimana.

Jean Claude Nshimirimana says the governor and these other officials wanted to know the names of the teachers who gave their contributions against their will. During my report, he says, I went to the provincial director of education to get his opinion over these complaints. “He told me the issue was political”.

Contacted, the governor Hassan Abdallah did not want to comment on his decision: “His information disrupts the public order in my province,” he says.

Written by Abbas Mbazumutima and translated by Diane Uwimana