Nyamurenza: an administrator arrested, suspected of facilitating movements between Burundi and Rwanda

Alexis Ntunzwenayo, administrator of the Nyamurenza district in Ngozi province (northern Burundi) was suspended from his duties on December 13 before being arrested and sent to prison. The Ministry of Internal Affairs accuses him of “scandalous behavior that tarnishes both his image and that of the country”. SOS Médias Burundi has learned that he is prosecuted for “having brought 4 Rwandans into Burundi”. These Rwandans are held by intelligence.

INFO SOS Médias Burundi

It is Minister Martin Niteretse, in charge of internal affairs, who personally signed the document dismissing the Nyamurenza district administrator. He accuses him of “scandalous behavior that tarnishes both his image and that of the country”. Local sources told SOS Médias Burundi that Mr. Ntunzwenayo is prosecuted for “facilitating travel between Burundi and Rwanda”.

“He let Rwandans enter Burundi and Burundians leave for Rwanda”, indicate our sources, who specify that the concerned individuals went to the two border countries either to “visit families and/or work in the fields”.

Alexis Ntunzwenayo had been elected by the district council to lead the Nyamurenza district in April 2023.

After his arrest, the former administrator of Nyamurenza was quickly taken to Ngozi central prison, according to sources close to the case.

A local police source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed to SOS Médias Burundi the arrest of this former administrator of Nyamurenza.

Rwandans in detention

According to our sources, the anger of the central administration was provoked by the presence of 4 Rwandans on the Burundian soil. The latter arrived in Burundi on November 25. They are held in an intelligence cell in Ngozi, according to witnesses. Residents say that they had come to Burundi to participate in “a family event” that was to take place in the town center of Ngozi. This is where they were seen and arrested the same day they arrived on the Burundian territory, according to witnesses.

Provincial authorities have acknowledged the dismissal of the Nyamurenza district administrator without wanting to give further details about this case. SOS Médias Burundi did not have the identity of the 4 Rwandans.

Nyamurenza is one of the districts and regions closest to the border with Rwanda.

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A triumphal arch at the entrance to the Nyamurenza district to welcome visitors