Bujumbura: Behind the walls of Mpimba, a wave of solidarity for Sandra Muhoza

SOS Médias Burundi

In a rare gesture, a group of journalists visited Sandra Muhoza, imprisoned at Mpimba. Between moral support and tangible aid, this wave of solidarity breaks the silence and shows a profession still united in the face of adversity.

Bujumbura, June 23, 2025 — Last week, a powerful act of solidarity warmed the heart of Sandra Muhoza, a journalist held at Bujumbura’s central prison, commonly known as “Mpimba,” in the south of the economic capital. A delegation of colleagues went to see her, marking a rare but hopeful moment amid a tense context for press freedom in Burundi.

“She did not expect it. But the heavens smiled on her,” says a family insider. The group of journalists had indeed collected funds to provide concrete help to their detained colleague. Moved by this unexpected support, Sandra expressed her deep gratitude.

Recently ill and facing particularly harsh prison conditions, this visit and assistance acted as a balm on her suffering. “The aid fell like a gift from heaven,” adds another source.

In an environment marked by growing repression of critical voices and significant financial hardship for media professionals, this initiative demonstrates that solidarity among Burundian journalists remains intact. “Despite everything, Burundian journalists remain united. This gesture proves it,” says a family member, thankful to those who took this action.

A former correspondent for the online newspaper La Nova Burundi and radio station Bonesha FM, Sandra Muhoza is serving a 21-month prison sentence, accused of “undermining national integrity.” Her lawyers have appealed, while several international journalist defense organizations have been calling for her release for months.

In a country where criticism is becoming increasingly rare, this visit to Mpimba reminds us that even behind the thickest walls, solidarity can still make its voice heard.