BURUNDI: SINDUHIJE LEAVES THE HELM OF AFRICAN

UNCLAS BUJUMBURA 000299 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR AF/C AND INR E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KPAO PGOV PINR PREL BY SUBJECT: BURUNDI: SINDUHIJE LEAVES THE HELM OF AFRICAN PUBLIC RADIO REF: 06 BUJUMBURA 714 ¶1. (U) On April 23, African Public Radio (APR) announced the departure of its founder, Alexis Sinduhije, as Director of the popular radio station. APR enjoys the largest media market share and audience in Burundi. There was no official reason given for Sinduhije,s departure, though his exit is thought to be the result of recent discussions between himself and his colleagues to change the face of APR,. As late as last year, Sinduhije hinted that he wanted to pursue other media ventures. The popular and controversial Sinduhije has directed operations at APR since 2001. Emmanuel Nsabimana, a longtime journalist and chief editor for APR, will replace him. Nsabimana has reported for Voice of America and United Nations Burundi Radio, and served as a chief editor of Burundi,s National Radio and Television. ¶2. (U) During Sinduhije,s tenure, APR became known as the &People,s Radio8 for its investigative and objective reporting of issues that affected ordinary Burundians. Over the years, the radio station has defied government threats and bans for reporting on controversial issues such as the sale of the Presidential airplane by the Burundian government, and the murder of Kassi Manlan, a World Health Organization (WHO) worker who was investigating the embezzlement of funds earmarked for malaria relief. In September 2003, government authorities closed APR after the broadcast of an interview with PALIPEHUTU-FNL rebel leader, Agathon Rwasa. In August 2006, Sinduhije feared that he too would be a target for arrest during the government,s investigation into an alleged coup plot (reftel). ¶3. (U) According to local journalists, Sinduhije, a graduate of the Kennedy School of Government and Public Policy at Harvard, will continue his investigative work on issues of national significance. It is also thought that Sinduhije will begin to work with Tanganyika Studios reporting on various cultural issues. For the immediate future, however, Sinduhije is expected to participate in a journalism seminar with the Prix Suisse des Radios du Sud in Switzerland. MOLLER