Sandra Muhoza a Burundian journalist is reportedly languishing in detention operated by the notorious National Intelligence Services (SNR) at an undisclosed location.
This reporter attached to La Nova online newspaper disappeared on April 13, moments after she received a phone call from a trader who had previously promised her an interview on Avocado cultivation.
Sandra is an active member of several WhatsApp groups of journalists and other communicators close to power such as “Burundi Médias” and “Burundi Press”.
It is not uncommon for simple discussions to turn sour and debates quickly become heated with criticism or vitriolic comments flying from everywhere.
“Sandra may have made comments on information relating to an alleged distribution of machetes to young Imbonerakure throughout the country,” said sources quoted by local newspaper Iwacu.
According to her colleagues, she responded to a call from a trader very close to the SNR. But after answering this call, she was no longer reachable, which worried her family and colleagues.
Since Saturday, April 13, she is said to have spent the night from Saturday to Sunday in Ngozi in the cell at the Judicial Police Station before being driven to Bujumbura.
Her relatives confirmed that they were asked, via her phone, to bring her clothes and her toiletry bag.
Sandra Muhoza, a reporter for the online newspaper La Nova, is a former correspondent for Bonesha FM and a former journalist for local radio Ntumbero FM based in Ngozi.
The online newspaper La Nova is run by Pascal Ndayisenga, also editor-in-chief of the Izere FM community radio based in Rumonge, in the southwest of Burundi.
Since his troubles with the administrator of Kiremba in Ngozi in northern Burundi, in July 2022, his newspaper deals less and less with critical subjects.
