Bujumbura : Isanganiro journalist assaulted and beaten by police

SOS Médias Burundi

Bujumbura, September 29, 2026 — Journalist Alexis Ndayisenga of Isanganiro Radio and Television claims he was assaulted by police officers on the night of Monday, September 28, at the South Bus Parking lot in the commercial capital, Bujumbura. He says he was then taken to a police station near the former central market of Bujumbura, known as SOGEMAC, where he claims he was beaten again.

Alexis Ndayisenga was returning from work after presenting the evening news when he was confronted by a plainclothes police officer.

According to his testimony, the police officer, whom he identifies as Lieutenant Blaise, a member of the Rapid Intervention Mobile Group (GEMIR), ordered him to forcibly get out of a passenger vehicle.

The journalist claims he asked to stay on board because he was tired. The officer allegedly reacted violently, striking him twice on the neck with a baton.

He says he was then taken to the police station by officers assigned to escort him. There, he says he was severely beaten while lying face down.

Alexis Ndayisenga claims he is still suffering from neck pain as a result of the beating. He also denounces remarks made by some police officers who allegedly tried to further assault him, notably when they reportedly told him that “his buttocks belonged to the state.”

The journalist was finally released after 10 p.m., following the intervention of a police official who, according to his testimony, condemned the violence committed by the officers involved.

Isanganiro’s management calls for legal action

The director of Isanganiro Radio and Television, Charles Makoto, strongly condemns the attack on his journalist and demands that legal action be taken against the police officers involved.

Contacted by the Isanganiro newsroom, police spokesperson Léopold Ndayisimiye described the incident as a “minor incident.” He stated, however, that the police are investigating the matter.

According to him, the officers involved should be sanctioned if the facts are established. He added that the police cannot, under any circumstances, condone such behavior towards citizens.

Burundi ranked 119th by RSF

The incident comes at a time when the conditions for practicing journalism remain a serious concern in Burundi.

In its 2026 World Press Freedom Index, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) ranks Burundi 119th out of 180 countries, with a score of 46.14 points, compared to 125th place in 2025.

RSF believes that, despite some positive signs from the authorities, the environment remains “very hostile” for journalists in Burundi. The organization highlights, in particular, the continued prosecution and conviction of media professionals.

For RSF, security is one of the five indicators considered in the press freedom assessment. Burundi scores 52.86 points on this indicator in 2026.

The attack reported by Alexis Ndayisenga thus reignites questions about the safety of journalists and respect for their rights in the exercise of their profession.