Melchisedeck Boshirwa, journalist and Executive Director of Andika Magazine, is among the laureates of the 2025 Media Awards—an honorary distinction celebrating journalistic excellence in Burundi. The awards ceremony took place on May 7, 2025, at “La Détente” in Bujumbura. This edition was organized through a collaboration between the National Communication Council (CNC), the Burundi Press House, and the Association of Women Journalists (AFJO), as part of the celebrations marking World Press Freedom Day.
The 2025 Media Awards honored 19 Burundian journalists for outstanding work across print, radio, television, and digital platforms. The competition was structured into three main categories and jointly led by the National Communication Council (CNC), Association of Women Journalists (AFJO), and the Burundian Press House (Maison de la Presse).
This year’s event aimed to encourage quality journalism and highlight the essential role media professionals play in shaping public discourse. However, organizers expressed concern over a noticeable decline in both participation and the overall quality of submissions compared to previous years.
Francine Ndihokubwayo, representing AFJO, highlighted the significance of the “Gender and Media” category, which aims to empower women in journalism and promote their involvement in leadership and political life. “This award exists to encourage women who remain underrepresented in leadership roles,” she said.
National Communication Council President Espérance Ndayizeye echoed concerns about limited participation. She suggested that a lack of awareness or interest in the competition guidelines might have contributed to the low turnout. “Even the submissions we received were often poorly prepared and fell below expected standards,” she noted.
Judging panels across all categories reported a sharp decline in journalistic skill and knowledge compared to the past two years. In some cases, awards could not be issued due to submissions failing to meet the minimum score requirements.
AFJO honored five journalists across three categories. In the Print Media category, Moïse Nkurunziza of Le Renouveaureceived 1,000,000 BIF, while Rose Ndekerimana, also from Le Renouveau, was awarded 600,000 BIF. In the Radio category, Evelyne Ndoricimpa of Umuco FM took first place with 1,000,000 BIF, and Jeanne Harerimana of CCIB FM+received 600,000 BIF for second place. In the Television category, Fiona Tiroryinka from RTNB was awarded 1,000,000 BIF; no second-place winner was selected in this category.
From the CNC’s side, eight journalists were recognized across four media categories. First-place winners received laptops, second-place winners were awarded 750,000 BIF, and third-place winners received 500,000 BIF. Among them, Melchisedeck Boshirwa stood out by securing second place in the online press media category.
The Burundi Press House also honored seven journalists from radio, television, print, and online platforms. First-place winners received 1,000,000 BIF, while second-place winners took home 600,000 BIF.
In addition to individual prizes, each of the four recognized media outlets—RTNB, Umuco FM, Andika Magazine, and CCIB FM+—received a printer to support their newsroom operations.
Despite the challenges reported this year, the organizing bodies reaffirmed their commitment to upholding journalistic standards and fostering a more vibrant and inclusive media landscape in Burundi.
