Cibitoke : a woman expelled for an alleged case, the governor corrects injustice

SOS Médias Burundi

Cibitoke, June 27, 2025 — In a move welcomed by human rights defenders, the governor of Cibitoke province, Carême Bizoza, suspended a controversial decision by the administrator of Rugombo dstrict, Gilbert Manirakiza. The latter had ordered the expulsion of a citizen without following legal procedures, sparking a wave of indignation in the region.

By official letter N° 531.05/336/2025 dated June 27, 2025, the governor rescinded with immediate effect Decision N° 532.0506/46/2025 taken the previous day by the district administrator. The order sought to expel Jeannine Uwizeyimana, a resident of Mparambo II, Rugombo district, originally from Bugabira, in the northern province of Kirundo.

According to Gilbert Manirakiza, the measure was justified by the fact that Ms. Uwizeyimana was “disturbing public order” by having a relationship with Alfred Ntahimpera, a married man whose legal wife, Yvonne Ndereyimana, currently works in the Gulf.

Shortly after drafting his decision, the administrator requested the intervention of a local police officer to carry out the expulsion. The initiative was quickly brought to the attention of the provincial authorities.

Based on Article 33 of the Burundian Constitution, which guarantees every citizen the right to reside and move freely throughout the national territory, Governor Bizoza deemed this measure illegal and an infringement of fundamental rights. He reiterated that no district administrator can evict a citizen without a legal basis or a court order.

“If an administrator believes that behavior undermines the morality or stability of a household, they must take legal action. They can in no way replace the courts,” the governor insisted, calling on local officials to be more rigorous and strictly respect the law.

The reversal of this decision was widely welcomed by women’s rights associations in this province in northwestern Burundi. Several cited similar precedents in the neighboring districts of Mabayi and Mugina, where attempts to arbitrarily exclude women from the locality had also been invalidated.

“When administrators wake up and arbitrarily decide the fate of citizens, it is the rule of law that falters,” commented a human rights defender active in the province.

In conclusion, Governor Bizoza warned administrators against such abuses. Those who flout the law, he warned, could face prosecution. This sends a strong message in favor of respecting citizens’ rights, regardless of origin or gender.