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Abbas Mbazumutima began his career as a journalist in 1996 at Radio Umwizero, one of Burundi's first private radio stations, which was renamed Radio Bonesha shortly after its creation. This radio station was the first to give a voice to rebels and political opponents of President Buyoya. Because of this, Abbas Mbazumutima was imprisoned. Between 2005 and 2011, he worked in the Media & Communication department of the United Nations Operation in Burundi, before joining Iwacu, where he still works today.
Abbas Mbazumutima's story is published in full in the book Histoire(s) vécue(s) du journalisme au Burundi.
In the interview excerpt below, Abbas recounts one of the adventures he had with his friend and colleague Gabriel Nikundana, who was able to use humour even in extremely dangerous situations, such as during a rebel ambush.
extrait - Mbazumutima - embuscade avec Gabriel Nikundana.mp3The photos below capture other key moments in Abbas's professional career.
Abbas, journalist with the United Nations Operation in Burundi, interviews Pierre Nkurunziza (April 2005), two months before the latter was elected President of the Republic by both houses of parliament
Abbas, journalist at Iwacu, searching the Mubarazi River for the body of his colleague Jean Bigirimana, who is still missing today (2016)
(Interview conducted on May 5th, 2024, account validated on September 23rd, 2024)
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