Rwanda’s leading investigative journalists are being recognized for their groundbreaking work exposing environmental crimes linked to the country’s mining sector. In a landmark awards ceremony held in Kigali, Kigali Attorneys Legal Consultants & Partners, in collaboration with AFIA Amani Great Lakes and with support from the Pulitzer Center, honored five outstanding reporters whose investigations revealed illegal pollution, community harm, and violations of environmental laws. This recognition underscores the growing power of journalism to hold extractive industries accountable and protect Rwanda’s natural resources.
Mining remains one of Rwanda’s top sources of export revenue, with gold, coltan, and tungsten as leading commodities. However, poorly regulated extractive activities have caused widespread damage from polluted rivers to eroded soils and shrinking biodiversity. According to the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA), illegal or unmonitored mining has become a significant contributor to water contamination and ecosystem loss.
In April 2025, Kigali Attorneys launched a pioneering program titled “Building the Investigative Capacities of Media Professionals in Rwanda on the Civil and/or Criminal Liability of Mining/Extractive Industry Actors in Relation to Environmental Issues and Climate Change.”
The initiative trained 45 journalists on investigative techniques, environmental law, and accountability mechanisms. Out of these, 25 journalists entered a competition on investigative environmental reporting, and five emerged as awardees, setting a new benchmark for environmental journalism in Rwanda.
On September 4, 2025, the awards ceremony took place in Kigali, bringing together journalists, lawyers, civil society actors, and environmental advocates. The event celebrated not only individual achievements but also a growing partnership between media and legal professionals working to protect Rwanda’s environment.
Me Louis Gitinywa of Kigali Attorneys emphasized the importance of investigative reporting:
“In many districts, some mining companies ignore environmental protection laws. As lawyers, we take these cases to court. But journalists can track them on the ground, talk to residents and leaders, and raise public awareness. “
“Well trained and well supported reporters can expose violations and drive accountability.” Me Louis Gitinywa, Kigali Attorneys added
Among the awardees was Clementine Nyirangaruye, a reporter working with The Forefront Magazine, recognized for her in-depth investigation into wastewater pollution from illegal mining activities along the Nyabarongo River.
“This award motivates me to keep serving as a guardian of the environment, the recognition gives me courage and strengthens my career as an investigative journalist. “she said
Another awardee, Emmanuel Kanamugire, a reporter on TOP AFRICA NEWS, focused his winning investigation on the broader environmental impact of mining on the same river system.
“Being recognized as a winner is an honor. This prize encourages me to produce more stories like this, which are essential for society,” Kanamugire said.
Another finalist, Hadjara Nshimiyimana, also shared her excitement publicly. Posting on her X account (formerly Twitter), she expressed gratitude for being among the Top 5 awardees in the Investigative Journalism on Mining and Environment competition.
“Honored and grateful. Out of 25 journalists, I made it to the Top 5 awardees,” she wrote. “Proud as an environmental journalist to see my story recognized motivated to keep telling impactful stories. Big thanks to Kigali Attorneys, AFIA Amani Great Lakes and the Pulitzer Center for this powerful training on enhancing investigative reporting on environmental crimes.”
Her posts reflected the sense of pride and renewed motivation felt by many participants who said the training and competition strengthened their skills and commitment to environmental justice reporting.
The five award winning journalists were praised for their use of data, community interviews, and on site evidence to document violations of environmental laws and their consequences for local populations.
Kigali Attorneys, widely known for its expertise in constitutional and human rights law, administrative and labor consultancy, and business regulatory services, says it plans to continue integrating media engagement into its environmental justice work. This partnership bridges the courtroom where cases are litigated and the newsroom, where public awareness and social accountability are built.
Environmental experts argue that without strong investigative journalism, many of these violations would go unnoticed, and communities would have little recourse. This program represents a strategic move to give journalists not only the skills but also the legal understanding needed to challenge powerful industries.
Organizers say the initiative reflects a growing need for journalists to play a central role in safeguarding Rwanda’s natural resources. By amplifying community voices and exposing illegal practices, the media can influence policymakers to adopt more sustainable practices.
Mining activities have led to soil erosion, biodiversity loss, and increased risk of waterborne diseases. According to REMA data, water quality in areas downstream of mining sites is significantly lower than national standards.
