Floriane Irangabiye

Floriane Irangabiye is a Burundian journalist who co-founded Radio Igicaniro, a Rwanda-based online outlet platforming exiles and expatriates from Burundi. In January 2023, she was convicted of "undermining the integrity" of Burundi, and was sentenced to ten years in prison after broadcasting comments critical of the Burundian government. On 14 August 2024, she was pardoned by President Évariste Ndayishimiye and on 16 August 2024 she was released from Bubanza Prison. In Rwanda, Irangabiye established Radio Igicaniro, which frequently broadcast shows critical of the Burundian government, with guests including human rights activists and exiles from the country. Radio Igicaniro was created as part of Fraternité, an association of Burundians living in self-exile.

Arrest and imprisonment

Arrest While Irangabiye had lived in Rwanda since 2009, she regularly visited Burundi to see family members. During a visit in 2015, she had taken part in protests in response to the president of Burundi, Pierre Nkurunziza, announcing plans to run for a third term, which was at odds with the country's constitution.

On 28 October 2022, Irangabiye appeared in court again, this time accused of anti-state crimes and operating without the correct journalistic accreditation.