Angeline Ndayishimiye : two international awards in 48 hours amid humanitarian recognition and criticism of human rights

SOS Médias Burundi

Bujumbura, July 10, 2026—In the space of 48 hours, the First Lady of Burundi, Angeline Ndayishimiye, received two international awards recognizing her commitment to social and health work. Honored first in New York by the United Nations system, and then in London, UK, the work carried out through the Bonne Action Umugiraneza Foundation has gained international visibility. However, these awards come at a time when Burundi continues to face criticism regarding its human rights record.

On July 8, 2026, in New York, the United Nations system awarded Angeline Ndayishimiye the 2026 United Nations Population Prize in the Institutions category, in recognition of the work carried out by the Bonne Action Umugiraneza Foundation, established in 2019.

This is the second time she has received this distinction. In 2023, she was awarded the same prize in the Individuals category, recognizing her personal commitment to the well-being of populations.

Through the Bonne Action Umugiraneza Foundation, the First Lady works in several areas, including health, with programs to combat cancer, provide care for people with vision problems, and support couples facing infertility.

The foundation also carries out projects in the areas of education, human development, and assistance to vulnerable people.

Upon receiving this award, Angeline Ndayishimiye expressed her gratitude and dedicated the prize to the women and men committed to solidarity work.

“This award represents a tremendous honor for Bonne Action Umugiraneza, for Burundi, and for all the women and men who dedicate their lives to serving the most vulnerable,” she declared.

In her acceptance speech, she also emphasized that no sustainable development can be achieved without significant investment in human capital.

A second award in London

Less than 24 hours after her recognition in New York, Angeline Ndayishimiye received another international award.

On July 9, 2026, in London, the United Kingdom, she was presented with the Global Health Award 2026, in recognition of her contribution to improving the health of populations.

Among the initiatives frequently cited is the support provided to couples struggling with infertility at Kibimba Hospital, located in Gitega Province, in central Burundi, specifically in the husband’s hometown.

This facility is now considered a leading center in this field in Burundi. According to information provided by the initiative’s promoters, some twenty couples have already been able to have children thanks to the services offered.

This achievement has been praised by many Burundian beneficiaries and observers, who believe it addresses a social issue that has long been neglected in the country.

International visibility for the Bonne Action Umugiraneza Foundation

These two successive awards enhance the international visibility of the social and health initiatives supported by the Bonne Action Umugiraneza Foundation.

Supporters of these programs believe they contribute to improving access to essential services, particularly for vulnerable individuals and families facing specific challenges.

They also emphasize the importance of complementary actions undertaken by social and humanitarian organizations in improving living conditions of the population.

Persistent criticism of the human rights situation

These distinctions, however, come in a context where Burundi continues to face criticism regarding its human rights situation.

Human rights organizations and several international actors have regularly denounced concerns related to civil liberties, civic space, the situation of human rights defenders, and allegations of arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, and other presumed violations.

The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Burundi, Fortuné Gaëtan Zongo, has also expressed concerns in his reports about respect for fundamental rights in the small East African nation.

His reports call, in particular, for strengthening the protection of civil liberties, combating impunity, and guaranteeing an environment that allows civil society actors and human rights defenders to carry out their work.

For some observers, the awards received by the First Lady highlight important initiatives in the social and health sectors. They believe, however, that this recognition should not overshadow the persistent challenges in terms of governance, respect for human rights, and civil liberties.

Between international recognition of humanitarian actions and debates on the country’s political and social situation, Burundi continues to present a contrasting image on the international stage.