Burundi : new concerns for Journalist Kenny Claude Nduwimana, a case in the making?

SOS Médias Burundi

Bujumbura, October 29, 2025 – Since Friday, Kenny Claude Nduwimana has been transferred from Bujumbura Central Prison (Mpimba) to the cells of the National Intelligence Service (SNR). His family has no contact with him, despite assurances from the National Independent Human Rights Commission (CNIDH).

Sources close to the intelligence services are now suggesting the possible opening of a new case against him, heightening fears for his physical and psychological safety. His prolonged isolation and the lack of transparency surrounding his detention are causing serious concern among tye civil society and human rights observers.

An intermediary between the family and the Burundian authorities had informed them that the journalist was to be returned to Bujumbura Central Prison on Monday, October 27, 2025. Similar promises had been made by the National Independent Human Rights Commission (CNIDH), but none were kept.

“Both assured Kenny’s wife that he was fine and that she had nothing to worry about,” reported sources close to the case.

“But the CNIDH ultimately told her clearly that she could not see him, or at least that she did not have access to her husband. This is very worrying.”

Sources confirmed to SOS Médias Burundi that a CNIDH team visited Kenny Claude Nduwimana at the National Intelligence Service (SNR) detention center in Bujumbura. Didace Sunzu, head of communications at the National Independent Human Rights Commission (CNIDH), promised to comment on the case on Thursday when he is in Bujumbura, the commercial city where the commission’s headquarters are located. On Wednesday evening, he was outside the city when contacted by SOS Médias Burundi.

As a reminder, Kenny Claude Nduwimana was sentenced to eight months in prison on August 26, 2024, after ten months of pretrial detention. In December 2024, a certificate of no appeal was issued, indicating that the case was closed and he should be released.

However, on January 21, 2025, the public prosecutor filed an appeal well after the 90-day legal deadline. The defense considers this appeal inadmissible and illegal.

The fate of Kenny Claude Nduwimana remains uncertain, highlighting the dangerously limited space for free and critical journalism in Burundi.