October 15, 2015
The Embassy of the United States in Bujumbura condemns and expresses its shock over the cold-blooded killing of RTNB cameraman Christophe Nkezabahizi and his family on October 13. The United States is deeply saddened by the killing Christophe’s wife, Alice Niyonzima, an employee of a USAID-funded project, who perished in the same attack on Tuesday evening, and the killing of their adolescent children. This shocking event, sadly only the latest in a continuing series of killings and violent attacks, highlights the suppression of journalism in Burundi and the degrading security situation for the Burundian people. We call upon the Government of Burundi to swiftly investigate and bring to justice the perpetrators of this vile act.
The United States offers its profoundest condolences to the family of Christophe and Alice, and to the staff of RTNB. Throughout his three decade career as a journalist Christophe bravely served the people of Burundi. As a conscientious and caring employee of FHI360, Alice brightened the lives of her team members and helped reach the most vulnerable in Burundi with life-saving health services. The United States honors the work Christophe and Alice performed to improve Burundi, and our thoughts remain with their family.
