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Radio stations boycott state functions

    NAIROBI

    Two privately-owed radio stations in Burundi announced on Monday that they would boycott all state functions in solidarity with Radio Isanganiro, which the government suspended for seven days after it broadcast an interview with a spokesman of a rebel group.

    Radio Publique Africaine and Bonesha FM, both based in the capital Bujumbura, made the announcement in special reports broadcast on Monday.

    On Saturday, the government imposed the suspension on the privately-owned Radio Isanganiro, accusing it of broadcasting "remarks likely to undermine the authority of the government". Communications Minister Albert Mbonerane signed the suspension order.

    The order was issued after the radio interviewed rebel leader Agathon Rwasa's spokesman in its "Mosaique" programme, commenting on the failure of recent talks in Kampala between President Domitien Ndayizeye and the Conseil national pour la defense de la democratie-Forces pour la defense de la democratie faction led by Pierre Nkurunziza.

    This article was produced by IRIN News while it was part of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Please send queries on copyright or liability to the UN. For more information: https://shop.un.org/rights-permissions

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