The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today called on the government of Burundi to conduct a thorough investigation into two separate attacks on Monday that killed Cécile Ndikumana, a saleswoman for public broadcaster Radio-Télévision Nationale du Burundi (RTNB), and wounded RTNB cameraman Hilaire Minani.

"We are appalled by this sad news for our colleagues at RTNB who already face a difficult time. We stand in solidarity with Cécile and Hilaire's families and colleagues," said Gabriel Baglo, the Director of the IFJ Africa Office. "We call on the government to conduct a thorough investigation into the two attacks and bring those responsible to justice."

Cécile Ndikumana, an agent with RTNB's commercial service was killed in the capital city Bujumbura while on her way home with her husband on Monday night. According to sources, they were shot by gunmen near their home. Cécile Ndikumana died instantly and her husband received non-life-threatening injuries.

At about the same time, cameraman Hilaire Minani was with his neighbour in Bujumbura when the two were attacked by unidentified men. Minani was wounded in the head and his friend was killed.

There has been a wave of violence in the Burundian capital city in recent weeks since clashes resumed between the army and rebels.

The IFJ also called on the government to improve the working conditions of the RTNB journalists and media workers by abiding by the collective bargaining agreement signed by the communication minister and the Free Union of RTNB Workers (SYLT) in December. SYLT members have been on strike since April 28th in protest over the failure to implement the agreement, which improved social and other conditions for the public broadcaster's employees.

For further information contact the IFJ: +221 33 842 01 43
The IFJ represents over 600,000 journalists in 120 countries