Burundi: police checkpoints criticized for corruption and inefficiency

SOS Médias Burundi

Bujumbura, January 22, 2026 – The checkpoints set up by the Burundi National Police (PNB) on the country’s major highways to secure travel are now the subject of intense criticism. Deemed excessive and sometimes a breeding ground for corruption, they were denounced by members of parliament during the oral question session addressed to Brigadier General Léonidas Ndaruzaniye, Minister of the Interior and Public Security, on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.

Checkpoints deemed excessive on major roads

Several PNB checkpoints, located on roads connecting towns and cities, are perceived by road users as being too numerous. Members of Parliament asked the minister to justify the usefulness of these checkpoints, which are described as non-toll barriers but are widely criticized on the ground.

Suspicions of corruption

Several parliamentarians expressed their concern, believing that these checkpoints serve more to collect bribes than to ensure public safety. Bus drivers, taxi drivers, and truck drivers transporting goods or charcoal are said to be the main victims of recurring corrupt practices.

The Speaker of the National Assembly, Gelase Daniel Ndabirabe, echoed these criticisms, stating that these checkpoints have acquired a negative connotation and going so far as to call them “places for collecting corruption.” He supported the MPs’ proposal to remove them, with the possibility of reinstating these checkpoints only when necessary and with better-trained police officers.

The Burundian National Police (PNB) in the crosshairs of international organizations

The PNB is frequently cited in reports by international human rights organizations as one of the most corrupt and unprofessional police forces in Africa. In 2016, the UN decided not to renew the mandate of 280 Burundian police officers deployed with MINUSCA (United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic) due to serious allegations of abuses and human rights violations in Burundi. Their dismissal without replacement at the end of their mission in September followed sanctions imposed on the country.

Burundian authorities describe these as isolated incidents and accuse the opposition and civil society in exile of providing false reports to these organizations in an attempt to tarnish the image of the country and its institutions.

Minister’s Position: Correction Rather Than Elimination

Police Brigadier General Léonidas Ndaruzaniye defended the Burundi National Police (PNB), noting that the number of checkpoints had already been reduced. However, he argued that their complete removal was not a solution, emphasizing that it could facilitate criminal activity. According to him, the priority is to correct the operational shortcomings of the checkpoints.

Ongoing Institutional Reforms

These discussions provided the Minister with an opportunity to present to the Assembly Law No. 1 of September 27, 2021, concerning the missions, organization, composition, and operation of the Burundi National Police, with a view to its amendment and improvement. The stated objective is to strengthen the effectiveness of the PNB while reducing the risks of corruption.