Martin Adler Prize – Finalist
Claude Sengenya
Based in: Beni, Democratic Republic of Congo
“Claude has spent years documenting stories that would otherwise go untold in eastern DRC. Reporting from Beni — one of the country’s most dangerous areas — he gives voice to communities enduring the traumas of war, displacement, and abuse.
In the past year, Claude has led groundbreaking investigations into the UN’s peacekeeping mission, exposing the consequences of its withdrawal and the failures that have left civilians unprotected. His reporting on peacekeeper-fathered children prompted international coverage and a response from the UN Secretary-General, underscoring its global impact. Working at great personal risk, he continues to shine a light on injustice and amplify voices often ignored, making him a powerful advocate for accountability and change.”
Janine Bressmer, Impact Editor, The New Humanitarian
Bio
Claude is a Congolese journalist based in Beni, North Kivu, whose reporting for The New Humanitarian over the past decade has shed vital light on the human and political costs of conflict, displacement, and humanitarian response in eastern DRC. With a focus on overlooked regions and marginalised communities, he combines field investigation, multimedia storytelling, and ethical reporting to expose abuses, hold power to account and amplify local voices in crisis-affected zones.
His work has documented the lived impacts of armed group activity, epidemic response failures and aid system gaps, earning recognition from global audiences and shaping dialogue among humanitarian practitioners. Claude also trains young reporters, leads local media initiatives, and advocates for press freedom in fragile contexts.