Defence Minister warns journalists

Defence Minister Colonel Alfred Nkurunziza has criticised some news organisations for "spreading rumours" and warned that journalists working in Bujumbura Rural should be considered as "enemies". In an address to army commanders in the province on Thursday, broadcast by state radio, Nkurunziza took issue with Radio France Internationale (RFI) which he said had broadcast a false report claiming the main Bujumbura-Bugarama road had been closed for security reasons. "They [RFI] are openly supporting the rebels," he told the commanders. "When you see journalists here you consider them as enemies, as rebels." Violence has intensified in Bujumbura Rural as the army battles to put down rebel attacks. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) on Friday said it was "appalled" to learn that the Burundian army had been "ordered to treat journalists as legitimate military targets". In a letter to President Pierre Buyoya, it said the present threat appeared to target journalists who were critical of the government and called for the comments to be withdrawn.