Burundian Journalist Receives Four-Year Prison Sentence

On January 14, a Burundian court sentenced journalist Sandra Muhoza to four years in prison and fined her 200,000 Burundian francs (about US$68). Local outlets SOS Médias Burundi and Radio Publique Africaine reported the decision. In addition, a source familiar with the case confirmed the ruling to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) but requested anonymity for safety reasons.

Following the verdict, CPJ sharply criticized the ruling. Muthoki Mumo, CPJ’s Africa Program Coordinator, described the sentence as cruel and unjust. She said the charges lacked merit and accused authorities of repeatedly violating Muhoza’s right to due process. According to CPJ, the case highlights Burundi’s disregard for press freedom. The organization called for Muhoza’s immediate and unconditional release.

WhatsApp Messages Trigger Arrest

In April 2024, authorities arrested Muhoza after comments she shared in a journalists’ WhatsApp group. The messages discussed alleged machete distribution in the country.

Later, in December 2024, a court convicted her of undermining national territorial integrity and inciting ethnic hatred. As a result, judges sentenced her to 21 months in prison, according to court documents reviewed by CPJ.

Appeal Overturned Verdict, but Pressure Continued

However, in May 2025, an appeal court overturned the conviction. Judges ruled that the trial lacked proper jurisdiction. Consequently, authorities launched a new trial in October, based on the same charges.

Meanwhile, support for Muhoza grew. In December, 127 African women wrote to her to express solidarity and demand her release.

Despite this, Burundi remains a hostile environment for journalists. CPJ research shows a pattern of prosecutions using anti-state charges. The organization has also documented physical attacks on media workers. CPJ said the Ministry of Justice and government spokesperson Jérôme Niyonzima did not respond to requests for comment.