Joint Press Release
October 15, 2026
Michael Baraka Nyakabeji Appointed
Executive Director of Primate Expertise
Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo — Primate Expertise and Wild Earth Allies are pleased to announce that Michael Baraka Nyakabeji has been named Executive Director of Primate Expertise, effective November 1, 2026. His appointment marks an important new chapter for the organization following the passing of its founder, Dr. Augustin K. Basabose, in 2025.
Mentored by Dr. Basabose for a decade, Nyakabeji has played an important role in advancing Primate Expertise’s scientific research and community-centered conservation work. He previously served as Operations Coordinator at Primate Expertise and was a Wild Earth Allies Conservation Fellow. He recently earned a master’s degree in African wildlife ecology and conservation from the College of African Wildlife Management, Mweka, Tanzania.
“My vision for Primate Expertise is to build on Dr. Basabose’s legacy by strengthening science-led, community-centered primate conservation in the DRC,” said Nyakabeji. “I am committed to nurturing the next generation of Congolese primatologists, expanding strategic partnerships, and generating robust scientific evidence to guide conservation action. Working alongside our talented team, partners, and local communities, we will protect threatened primates and their habitats while promoting sustainable community livelihoods.”
Primate Expertise Board President Rene Masheka welcomed Nyakabeji’s new role.
“The appointment of Michael as Executive Director recognizes his leadership qualities and his commitment to serve Primate Expertise and advance the legacy of its founder, Dr. Augustin K. Basabose,” said Masheka.
Arthur Kalonji, Site Director of Kahuzi-Biega National Park, also expressed support for the appointment, highlighting Nyakabeji’s experience working with park teams on gorilla monitoring and habitat restoration.
“The Park welcomes this appointment, which it considers a hopeful decision for the future of Primate Expertise and for sustaining the vision inherited from the late Professor Basabose,” said Kalonji. “Throughout his career with Primate Expertise, Nyakabeji has worked closely with KBNP teams on several initiatives, including gorilla monitoring and habitat restoration activities. His experience, in-depth knowledge of conservation issues, and the relationships of trust he has developed with various partners are important assets in this new chapter.”
Wild Earth Allies has partnered with Primate Expertise since 2017, providing long-term support for primate conservation, forest restoration, and community well-being in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
“This new chapter extends Michael’s decade-long history with Primate Expertise and partnership with Wild Earth Allies,” said Katie Frohardt, Executive Director of Wild Earth Allies. “He will bring his scientific expertise, collaborative spirit, and strong community relationships to the role. His appointment represents an important milestone in realizing founder Dr. Augustin K. Basabose’s vision for Primate Expertise—for the next generation of Congolese to lead in community-centered primate conservation.”
About Primate Expertise
Primate Expertise is a Congolese NGO dedicated to researching and conserving primates and their habitats in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The organization was founded by the late Dr. Augustin K. Basabose, an internationally recognized primatologist, in response to growing pressures on Grauer’s gorillas and other non-human primates in the Kahuzi-Biega region. Primate Expertise’s objective is to promote the conservation of primates through research, education, and outreach in this vital landscape, with the potential to expand across the country. primatexpertise.com
About Wild Earth Allies
Wild Earth Allies is reshaping how conservation works by building long-term partnerships with local organizations and leaders in high-biodiversity areas worldwide. Through deep collaboration, strategic support, and shared learning, the organization advances conservation rooted in local values, knowledge, and practices—so wildlife and people can flourish together in healthy ecosystems that sustain us all. wildearthallies.org
Media Contacts
Jimmy Neema
Communications Officer
Primate Expertise jimmy@primatexpertise.com
Laura Milton
Communications Director
Wild Earth Allies
lmilton@wildearthallies.org
###