Gitega : former Prime Minister Alain Guillaume Bunyoni hospitalized in very critical condition

SOS Médias Burundi

Gitega, October 9, 2025 – Former Burundian Prime Minister Alain Guillaume Bunyoni, detained at Gitega Central Prison since July 2023, was hospitalized on Thursday morning at Gitega Regional Hospital due to complications related to advanced diabetes.

According to several prison and medical sources, his health has deteriorated in recent days, requiring immediate treatment and ongoing medical monitoring.

A witness met at the hospital described a worrying situation :

“He is very weak and his health has really deteriorated. Sometimes, he loses consciousness and can barely eat,” he told SOS Médias Burundi.

Sources close to the case report that the former Prime Minister is currently receiving specialized treatment.

“His condition requires special attention. He is being cared for by medical staff at the Gitega Regional Hospital, who are ensuring close monitoring,” our sources said.

Enhanced surveillance and security

According to our sources, Burundian intelligence officials and other officials have traveled to Gitega to inspect the premises where he is lying bedridden. Witnesses report seeing at least eight police vehicles assigned to this mission. A large number of police officers remain stationed at the hospital, where the former Prime Minister is hospitalized.

This hospitalization comes as Mr. Bunyoni is serving a life jail sentence, upheld by the Burundian Supreme Court, for charges including attempted assassination of the president, overthrowing the constitutional regime, and using occult practices to threaten the life of the head of state.

A hospitalization that raises concerns

Bunyoni’s medical care highlights the health conditions of high-security detainees and raises questions about the medical supervision of prisoners suffering from serious chronic illnesses. According to several sources, his advanced diabetes was poorly controlled in detention, worsening his condition.

While Bunyoni remains hospitalized, prison and medical authorities are ensuring close monitoring and access to the necessary care to prevent any further complications.

Today, Alain Guillaume Bunyoni remains the most controlled and monitored inmate in the small east African nation.