Upon receiving the news of this honour, Alexandre Niyungeko expressed both surprise and deep appreciation. “I have been dedicated to defending press freedom for years, and I have paid the price for it,” he said. “But I never expected a university in Texas, in the United States, to take an interest in the struggles of a small country like Burundi, and in someone like me. It is truly a surprise, but also a great honour.”

He sees this award not as personal recognition but as a tribute to all journalists fighting for the truth: “This award belongs to all my colleagues who continue the struggle. As a journalist and as the president of the Union of Journalists of Burundi, I have always served others in this profession. I hope they will see this award as an honour for all of us.”

Reaction to the Award

Alexandre Niyungeko will not be alone in receiving his award. He will be accompanied by other Burundian journalists, particularly female journalists who have faced imprisonment for their work. One of them, Agnès Ndirubusa, a member of Ensemble Groupe d’Aide aux Journalistes Exilés-En-GAJE in Belgium, is travelling to Texas with him. Unfortunately, others remain in prison, and others were denied visas, preventing them from accepting their awards in person.

In the run-up to the event, he remains focused on the bigger picture: « Ensuring that journalists in exile and those under repression continue their mission of informing the public, no matter the obstacles. »

His story, his resilience, and his fight for press freedom will be a powerful testament to the courage of journalists worldwide.

Profiles in Journalistic Courage

This prestigious event celebrates fearless journalism and academic research in international media. The Graduate Student Research Symposium showcases groundbreaking studies on global press freedom, media ethics, and the challenges faced by journalists worldwide.

Meanwhile, the Excellence in International Journalism Awards honour outstanding reporters who have demonstrated extraordinary courage, integrity, and impact in their work. Held at the Hall of the Nations, this gathering brings together scholars, journalists, and advocates committed to truth and accountability in media.

Over 200 Burundian journalists living in exile

During the event, Alexandre Niyungeko will present the current state of press freedom in Burundi: a situation he describes as dire. With over 200 Burundian journalists living in exile since 2015, those who remain operate in constant fear of arrest, imprisonment, or even death.

He will highlight cases such as a female journalist imprisoned simply for sharing a WhatsApp message in a private group of journalists, as well as journalists who have been murdered, and disappeared, including a cameraman killed in 2015 and another journalist abducted in 2021.

Despite the repression, he will emphasise the resilience of exiled journalists who continue to serve the public through independent media initiatives, ensuring Burundians remain informed. Many exiled journalists, though far from home, stay connected and committed to producing reliable news under difficult conditions.

Born on 1 July 1975, in the rural landscape of Rurambira, Mukike, Bujumbura, Burundi, Alexandre is the fifth of twelve siblings in a family deeply rooted in education. His father, Tharcisse Ntirubuza, a distinguished teacher, instilled in him a passion for learning and a commitment to social justice values that would later define his remarkable career in journalism.

Niyungeko’s journey into the media world began in 2002 when he joined the National Radio and Television of Burundi (RTNB) as a reporter and news presenter. While developing his career, he pursued academic excellence, earning a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Burundi in 2004, followed by a master’s degree in journalism in 2012. These formative years provided him with the expertise to navigate Burundi’s complex media landscape.

A credible and effective advocate

As Burundi emerged from the shadows of civil war, Alexandre Niyungeko recognised the urgent need for a structured and independent media sector. In 2009, with significant support from the Solidarity Centre, a non-profit dedicated to promoting workers’ rights and press freedom, he courageously founded the Union of Journalists of Burundi (UBJ).

The Solidarity Centre provided critical resources, training, and strategic guidance, enabling the UBJ to become a credible and effective advocate for journalists’ rights in Burundi. Under Niyungeko’s leadership, the UBJ became a crucial platform for promoting press freedom, protecting journalists, and fostering a culture of professional integrity in an often hostile environment.

Despite facing disciplinary measures and professional retaliation for his activism, Alexandre Niyungeko remained steadfast, guided by his vision of a free and independent press. His efforts in organising journalists and amplifying their voices significantly contributed to the development of a pluralistic media landscape in Burundi.

Forced into exile

Under his leadership, Burundi became a regional beacon of media pluralism, demonstrating the potential for democratic practices in post-conflict societies. However, in 2015, the political landscape shifted dramatically, leading to renewed crackdowns on press freedoms. He found himself at the forefront of the struggle for journalists’ rights, leading protests and fighting for the release of imprisoned colleagues. As the situation worsened, he was forced into exile – a painful but necessary decision to protect his family and continue the fight for freedom from abroad.

Settling in Kigali, Rwanda, Alexandre Niyungeko refused to be silenced. He co-founded Radio Inzamba Agateka Kawe (RIAK), an exiled radio station that delivers vital news to the Burundian population, ensuring they remain informed about the realities of their homeland. His relentless dedication to journalism and truth, even in adversity, is a testament to his unwavering commitment to press freedom.

He played a pivotal role in a landmark ruling by the East African Court of Justice in 2015, challenging restrictive press laws in Burundi. His advocacy not only provided a lifeline for his fellow journalists but also set a precedent for media rights across the East African Community.

« My journey is one of resilience, courage, and an unwavering commitment to the principles of free expression. »

As the COVID-19 pandemic swept the globe, Niyungeko’s commitment to journalistic integrity led him to co-found the Congress of African Journalists (CAJ) in 2020, where he served as president until 2022. Through this platform, he championed journalists’ safety and promoted innovative reporting approaches during challenging times.

In June 2021, amid diplomatic tensions that led to the expulsion of Burundian journalists’ media initiatives from Rwanda, he was once again forced into exile, this time to Brussels, Belgium. From his new base, he said that « I continue to coordinate a diverse team of exiled journalists at Radio Inzamba while imparting my journalistic expertise as a part-time teaching assistant at the Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB). »

A source of strength and inspiration

Beyond his professional achievements, Alexandre Niyungeko is a devoted husband to Francine Kanyange, also a journalist, and a proud father of three sons and a daughter. His family remains a source of strength and inspiration, motivating him to persist in his fight for press freedom and social justice.

He said: « My journey is one of resilience, courage, and an unwavering commitment to the principles of free expression and press freedom. » He stands as a beacon of hope for journalists facing oppression, tirelessly working to unite the global community of exiled Burundian journalists and advocating for a future where democracy and press freedom thrive.