This archive report was first published on 20 May 2020.
On May 20, 2020, Burundi's government took a drastic step by shutting down popular social media platforms, including WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram, as the country prepared for its presidential election.
The move, which came as a surprise to many, was reportedly aimed at preventing the spread of misinformation and maintaining public order during the election.
However, the shutdown was met with resistance from some citizens, who found ways to bypass the restrictions using virtual private networks (VPNs).
Despite the government's efforts to maintain control over the flow of information, the shutdown was widely criticized by human rights groups and social media users, who saw it as an attempt to suppress free speech and stifle dissent.
As the election got underway, concerns about violence and unrest grew, with reports of clashes between rival political groups and security forces.
Meanwhile, the COVID-19 pandemic continued to pose a threat, with Burundi recording 42 cases, one death, and 20 recoveries.
