Bonaventure Niyongabo: SNR Burundi Detention Sparks Rights Alarm

• Bonaventure Niyongabo, a 60-year-old RTNB cameraman, has been detained by Burundi's National Intelligence Service (SNR) since November 6, 2026.
• He was reportedly questioned about a fire at the state broadcaster, though colleagues deny his involvement and state he helped extinguish it.
• Three other RTNB staff questioned in the same incident were released, but Niyongabo remains held at an SNR facility known for arbitrary detentions.
• Information suggests his detention may be linked to his alleged criticism of discriminatory practices against non-ruling party members at RTNB.
• No official statement has been released by authorities regarding the precise reasons for his detention or any legal proceedings.

The continued holding of Bonaventure Niyongabo within these premises has therefore generated considerable apprehension among his family and professional peers.

Bonaventure Niyongabo, a 60-year-old veteran cameraman known as Gihuha at the National Radio and Television of Burundi (RTNB), has been held by the National Intelligence Service (SNR) since November 6, 2026. His arrest took place at a bar located on Avenue du Large in Bujumbura's Mukaza district, from where he was subsequently transferred to the SNR headquarters, situated opposite the Regina Mundi Cathedral in the commercial capital.

Niyongabo's detention is reportedly linked to an inquiry into a fire that occurred at the state broadcaster just days prior to his arrest. While RTNB officials attributed the fire to a short circuit and confirmed its extinguishment, Niyongabo was questioned regarding the incident.

Three other RTNB employees—Yollande Niyubahwe from television programming, along with camerapeople Claudette Butoyi and Prince Ntororwe—were also interrogated in connection with the same fire. However, unlike Niyongabo, these three individuals were released following their hearings. Niyongabo remains in detention at the SNR facility, prompting his family to demand his immediate release. Colleagues of the cameraman assert his innocence concerning the fire, noting his participation alongside military personnel in efforts to put out the blaze. They have expressed bewilderment over his prolonged detention, especially as he nears retirement age, and advocate for his prompt return to professional duties.

The National Intelligence Service, or SNR, has a documented history of operating detention centers that human rights organizations frequently cite in reports detailing instances of arbitrary detentions, ill-treatment, and torture. The continued holding of Bonaventure Niyongabo within these premises has therefore generated considerable apprehension among his family and professional peers.

Beyond the fire investigation, information suggests that Niyongabo's detention may be connected to his alleged criticisms of discriminatory practices within RTNB. These practices reportedly target staff members who are not affiliated with the ruling political party.

Reports indicate a challenging work environment for some employees at the public broadcaster, where individuals perceived as opposing the current government are allegedly prevented from performing their duties. An anonymous RTNB staff member described a "hostile environment" for certain categories of personnel, reinforcing concerns about discrimination and a pervasive climate of fear. Employees are calling for equitable treatment for all staff, irrespective of their political views or affiliations, to ensure that RTNB can effectively fulfill its public service mandate of informing the entire population.

This particular case unfolds amidst growing scrutiny regarding the evolving role of RTNB and its relationship with the Burundian government. The detention of Bonaventure Niyongabo highlights broader concerns about media freedom and the potential for state security services to target journalists.

The current situation also draws unsettling parallels to the tragic fate of Christophe Nkezabahizi, another RTNB cameraman, who was murdered on October 13, 2015. Nkezabahizi, along with his wife, their two children, and another family member, were killed in an attack at their home in Ngagara, located north of Bujumbura.

As of the time of reporting, no official statement has been issued by authorities clarifying the precise reasons for Bonaventure Niyongabo's detention. Furthermore, the government has not commented on any potential legal proceedings related to his case, leaving the legal status of the veteran cameraman ambiguous and raising further questions about due process in Burundi.

Lawyers advising clients with operations or personnel in Burundi should be aware of the heightened risk of arbitrary detention by state security services, particularly for individuals perceived as critical of the government or involved in sensitive sectors like media. This case underscores the importance of robust human rights due diligence and contingency planning for personnel safety and legal representation in environments where due process may be compromised.

Source: Original reporting via SOS Médias Burundi.