Four journalists imprisoned for a year in Burundi on
charges that rights groups condemned as “baseless” have been
released after receiving a presidential pardon, according to a
decree seen by AFP on Thursday.
The journalists were working for Iwacu, the isolated African
country’s last independent media outlet, when they were arrested in
the western Bubanza province in October 2019 while covering an
incursion of rebels from neighbouring DR Congo.
Agnes Ndirubusa, Christine Kamikazi, Egide Harerimana and
Terence Mpozenzi were charged with threatening state security and
sentenced in January to two-and-a-half years in prison, a verdict
upheld on appeal in June.
But they were pardoned by a presidential decree signed on
Wednesday by President Evariste Ndayishimiye, who was elected in
May.
Iwacu’s founder and head Antoine Kubarahe said their release was
“a great relief”.
“These four colleagues, I repeat, were guilty of nothing, they
were doing their job,” he told AFP.
“I am happy they will be reunited with their families on
Christmas Eve,” he added, thanking the “great outpouring of support
in Burundi and around the world” for their cause.
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“May their freedom open a new chapter for Burundi’s media.”
The European Union’s ambassador to Burundi, Claude Bochu,
tweeted that the pardon was a “relief and an excellent sign for the
new year!”
The EU has imposed sanctions on Burundi since 2015, but their
relationship has been warming of late.
Ndayishimiye’s election had raised hopes for a more open
political environment in Burundi after 15 years of Pierre
Nkurunziza, whose rule was marked by violence and brutality against
dissidents. Nkurunziza died in June.
In October, a group of 65 human rights groups issued a joint
statement demanding the journalists be released.
“Their continued detention on baseless charges is a stark
reminder that, despite a recent change in leadership, the Burundian
government has little tolerance for independent journalism,” said
the group.
On Reporters Without Borders’ annual press freedom index,
Burundi ranks 160th out of 180 in the world.
AFP
Read more https://swordpress.com.ng/2020/12/25/four-burundi-journalists-freed-after-one-year-in-prison/
President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the redeployment of nine
permanent secretaries with immediate effect.
![image](/2020/10/lawreport.jpg")
This is contained in a circular dated 24th day of December, 2020
issued by the Head of Service of the Federation, Dr. Folashade
Yemi-Esan which was made available to Nairalaw
![image](/2020/10/NWLRland.jpg")
It reads:
| Name | Current Posting | New Posting. | |
| 1 | Musa Mikfuktur Istifanus | Communication and Digital Economy | Defence |
| 2 | Gabriel Aduda | Youth and Sports Development | Foreign Affairs |
| 3 | Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe | Works and Housing | Agriculture and Rural Development |
| 4 | Engr. Festus Yusuf Narai Daudu | CSO (OHCSF) | Communication and Digital Economy |
| 5 | Engr. Nebolisa Anako | Information and Culture | Youth and Sports Development |
| 6 | Babangia Hussaini | Defence | Works and Housing |
| 7 | Dr. Anthonia Akpabio Ekpa | OHCSF | Women Affairs |
| 8 | Dr. Adaora Ifeoma Anyanwutaku | Women Affairs | Information and Culture |
| 9 | James Sule | OHCSF | Cabinet Affairs Office (OSGF) |