The French government on Friday demanded that Burundi immediately free a French journalist and a British photographer arrested while reporting in the volatile central African nation, Le Monde newspaper reported.

"We were concerned to learn of the arrests of French journalist Jean-Philippe Remy and British photographer Philip Moore," French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said in a statement.

"I call on Burundi's authorities to proceed with their immediate release. Diplomatic procedures are underway."

The two men were covering the crisis triggered in April last year by President Pierre Nkurunziza's decision to run for a controversial third term in office.

His quest to remain in power sparked weeks of street protests, a failed coup, frequent killings and a nascent rebellion.

The government has cracked down on the media, forcing independent outlets to shut down and driving some journalists into exile.

Source: MENA