Diplomatic tensions : two WFP officials expelled from Burundi

The Burundian government has decided to expel Sibi Lawson-Marriot, the representative of the World Food Programme (WFP), and Sarah Nguyen, the organisation’s security officer. The two officials left the country on Friday February 14, 2025 on a RwandAir flight, after receiving a 48-hour ultimatum, according to information broadcast by RFI (Radio France Internationale).

Security instructions at the origin of the crisis

This expulsion follows the dissemination of internal WFP security instructions on social media. In these instructions, the organisation urged its staff to stock up on food, water, fuel and cash for two weeks, in anticipation of possible security tensions – a recommendation deemed alarmist by Burundian authorities, who saw it as an attempt to sow panic among the diplomatic corps and the population.

Accused of “undermining State security,” Sibi Lawson-Marriot and Sarah Nguyen have been declared undesirable in Burundi. This decision marks a new point of tension between the government and certain international organizations present in the country.

A tense regional context

This affair comes at a time of growing security tension in the region. Burundi, a military ally of Kinshasa in its fight against the M23, is watching with concern the advance of rebels supported by Rwanda towards its border. This climate of tension exacerbates the Burundian government’s distrust of any communication that could be interpreted as a sign of instability.

The expulsion of these two WFP officials illustrates the Burundian government’s growing sensitivity to regional diplomatic and security issues. It remains to be seen what consequences this decision will have on relations between Burundi and international institutions.

WFP Logo – Source : WFP official website