International journalist Stanis Bujakera has won the 2024 Patrice-Emery Lumumba Literary prize for his masterpiece manuscript entitled “Pavilion 8” which will be available soon.
Bujakera saw off competition from other journalists namely Germaine Kabedi, Steve Aganze, Bonheur Mutamba and Ethan Kaumbo to bag the prize will be handed over at the Buku festival.
The award comes with a cash prize of US$2,500 while Bujakera will also be able to exclusively unveil his new edition of the “Pavilion 8” at the event.
“This award is a testament to the power of journalism and the importance of a free press to hold those in power and decision-making accountable” Bujakera said.
The Patrice Emery Lumumba Literary Prize rewards writers who promote the struggle led by the very first Congolese Prime Minister who was assassinated on January 17, 1961 after having fought to win independence for the DR Congo.
Bujakera was last year in September arrested and imprisoned for nearly 7 months in Makala central prison on false allegations by the Congolese authorities who accused him of several grievances, including spreading false rumors in the context of investigations relating to the circumstances of the death of the former Minister of Transport, Chérubin Okende who was assassinated.
