African journalists have united in calling for the immediate release of Burundian writer Sandra Muhoza, whose detention has sparked widespread concern across the continent. The EastAfrican reports that media groups and press freedom advocates are urging Burundian authorities to respect Muhoza’s rights and uphold freedom of expression amid fears over the growing crackdown on dissenting voices in the country. This latest development highlights the ongoing challenges facing journalists and writers in Burundi’s increasingly restrictive political environment.
African Journalists Unite to Demand Freedom for Burundian Writer Sandra Muhoza
A coalition of African journalists and media organizations has issued a powerful statement calling for the immediate release of Burundian writer Sandra Muhoza, who was recently detained under charges widely condemned as politically motivated. The group emphasizes that Muhoza’s arrest reflects a growing crackdown on freedom of expression in the region, undermining democratic values and press freedoms essential for transparent governance. Prominent media outlets from Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda have joined forces, urging authorities to respect fundamental human rights and cease intimidation tactics against writers and journalists.
In addition to the joint letter, the coalition outlined several urgent demands aimed at protecting press freedom and securing Muhoza’s release:
- Immediate and unconditional release of Sandra Muhoza without charges.
- Transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding her arrest.
- International monitoring to prevent further repression of journalists in Burundi.
| Media Organization | Country | Role in Coalition |
|---|---|---|
| The Citizen | Tanzania | Statement Co-sponsor |
| Daily Monitor | Uganda | Advocacy Lead |
| The Standard | Kenya | Media Coverage |
| IGIHE | Rwanda | Mobilization Support |
Press Freedom Under Threat in Burundi Highlighted by Muhoza Detention
Sandra Muhoza, a prominent Burundian writer and journalist, remains in detention amid mounting concerns over escalating restrictions on media freedom in Burundi. Her arrest has sparked outrage across Africa, with journalists and human rights organizations expressing grave concerns about the country’s deteriorating environment for press freedom. Critics argue that the government is increasingly using legal and extralegal measures to silence voices that challenge its narrative, thereby undermining democratic principles and the public’s right to information.
Key issues raised by advocacy groups include:
- Crackdown on independent journalism through arrests and intimidation tactics.
- Lack of transparency in the judicial process surrounding detained journalists and writers.
- Restrictions on freedom of expression that curtail civil society and media operations.
| Date | Event | Response | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 10, 2024 | Muhoza Detained | Calls for immediate release | |||||||||
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“`html Sandra Muhoza, a prominent Burundian writer and journalist, remains in detention amid mounting concerns over escalating restrictions on media freedom in Burundi. Her arrest has sparked outrage across Africa, with journalists and human rights organizations expressing grave concerns about the country’s deteriorating environment for press freedom. Critics argue that the government is increasingly using legal and extralegal measures to silence voices that challenge its narrative, thereby undermining democratic principles and the public’s right to information. Key issues raised by advocacy groups include:
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