Fuel scarce, heavy penalties : eight convictions in Muyinga

SOS Médias Burundi

Muyinga, August 8, 2025 – Since Tuesday, eight individuals have been detained at Muyinga Central Prison in Buhumuza Province (eastern Burundi). They were convicted by the Muyinga First Instance Court for undermining the national economy, after being arrested in possession of a large stockpile of fuel and other contraband from Tanzania.

The case dates back to July 16, 2025. On that day, eleven people from the district of Muyinga were intercepted with 11 motorcycles carrying a total of 2,600 liters of gasoline, 20 cartons of Tanzanian juice, and one carton of wine. Four suspects managed to escape, while the other seven were arrested and brought before the courts.

A local merchant at the center of the case

Before the court, the defendants did not deny the facts. However, they claimed that the seized products belonged to Jérôme Ndayisenga, a well-known merchant in Muyinga and a ruling party activist.

The court sentenced Jérôme Ndayisenga to two years and six months in prison and a fine of 200,000 Burundi francs. The seven arrested employees were each sentenced to one year and six months in prison and a fine of 100,000 Burundi francs.

Seizures and financial penalties

In addition to the prison sentences, the 11 motorcycles used for clandestine transport will remain seized until the payment of US$200 per vehicle to the state. The seized fuel will be auctioned, and the proceeds will be paid to the public treasury.

Mixed reactions among the population

Part of the population present at the trial expressed surprise and frustration. In a context of chronic fuel shortages in Burundi, some are wondering : should those who attempt to import fuel, even illegally, be punished, or should these practices be recognized as meeting an urgent need?

Several residents called on the authorities to strengthen official fuel supplies rather than punishing those they believe are trying to fill the system’s gaps.

A rekindled national debate

This case brings the issue of energy sector management and access to fuel back to the table. The government insists on respecting legal import channels, while some believe the urgent need is to first guarantee the country’s fuel supply before cracking down on parallel channels.