The Netherlands closes its embassy in Bujumbura : a decision with profound implications for bilateral cooperation

SOS Médias Burundi –

Bujumbura, April 19, 2025 – The Dutch government has announced the closure of several of its diplomatic missions, including the embassy in Bujumbura, the commercial capital of Burundi, where United Nations agencies and the central administration are concentrated, as part of a strategic reorganization of its diplomatic network. This decision comes at a time when the Netherlands has been a key development partner in Burundi.

In a letter to the House of Representatives, Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp stated :

“I intend to close five embassies and two consulates general : in Bujumbura (Burundi), Havana (Cuba), Juba (South Sudan), Tripoli (Libya), Yangon (Myanmar), the Consulate General in Antwerp, and the Consulate General in Rio de Janeiro.”

This measure is part of a budget reduction policy aimed at saving €25 million. The Dutch government, supported by parties such as the PVV, VVD, NSC, and BBB, is seeking to reduce public spending, including a 22% cut in budgets across several ministries.

A major development partner for Burundi

The closure of the embassy in Bujumbura could have significant repercussions on bilateral cooperation. The Netherlands has been one of Burundi’s largest donors, with an average annual aid of $33.9 million in 2022, according to World Bank data.

Between 2023 and 2027, the Netherlands had earmarked €160 million to support various sectors in Burundi, including food security, reproductive health, human rights, and youth employment.

Concrete projects on the ground

The Dutch commitment has resulted in several concrete projects:

A $7.8 million donation for reproductive health, aimed at improving access to health services for women.

€10 million funding for the Common Fund for Fertilizers and Soil Amendments, to support the Burundian agriculture.

A €1 million contribution for the general census of the population, habitat agriculture and livestock, in partnership with UNFPA and FAO.

Towards a redefinition of cooperation

Despite the embassy closure, the Netherlands expressed its willingness to maintain its commitment to Burundi’s development. Minister Veldkamp indicated that representations could be opened in other regions depending on geopolitical developments, particularly in the Middle East.

Burundian authorities and local partners hope that this reorganization will not compromise ongoing projects and that cooperation can continue in other forms.

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A demonstration organized by Burundian authorities in front of the European Union office in Bujumbura, which also serves as the Dutch embassy in Burundi, October 2016 (SOS Médias Burundi)