By T. Jayani, JadeTimes News
A Burundian talk show host, Floriane Irangabiye, who had been serving a 10 year prison sentence for allegedly undermining the national integrity of Burundi, expressed her joy to us after being released. Irangabiye, 36, spoke with us as she exited Bubanza Prison nearly two years after her arrest, sharing her excitement about reuniting with her two children. She also mentioned that she is unlikely to resume her role at the media company where she previously worked, which was known for its criticism of the Burundian government.
Burundi ranks poorly in terms of press freedom, placing 108th out of 180 countries on the latest global index by Reporters Without Borders. Prior to her arrest, Irangabiye had been living in Rwanda, where she operated Radio Igicaniro. She was arrested in August 2022 during a visit to Burundi for a family funeral and was sentenced in January of the following year.
Her release was granted through a presidential pardon announced on Thursday, following letters written by Irangabiye and her lawyers to President Évariste Ndayishimiye, requesting her freedom. Her family noted that she has a serious medical condition that has worsened during her imprisonment.
Before her release, Irangabiye expressed her gratitude via a text message to us Great Lakes service, thanking her family, human rights activists, journalists, and especially President Ndayishimiye for making her release possible. Local human rights groups have cautiously welcomed the news of her pardon but continue to urge the Burundian government to release others they believe are unjustly imprisoned.
Groups like ACAT Burundi emphasized the importance of justice and human rights for all, while FORSC highlighted that there are still "thousands" of political prisoners suffering in the country’s jails. Meanwhile, another journalist, Sandra Muhoza, who faces similar charges, remains in custody.
Burundi has a troubled history of political violence and repression, particularly under former President Pierre Nkurunziza, who passed away at 55 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although President Ndayishimiye, elected in 2020, has been credited with some improvements in international relations and domestic reforms, analysts argue that progress remains insufficient and that human rights abuses persist.
