Exam leak in Rumonge : five pupils expelled, parents denounce an “unfair” punishment

SOS Médias Burundi

Rumonge, September 21, 2025 – Five secondary school pupils in the urban center of Rumonge, in Burunga province, in southern Burundi, were permanently expelled last Thursday, following a decision by the Ministry of National Education and Scientific Research. According to a ministerial investigation, they are accused of having participated in the leak of second-term exam papers within the city’s school system.

The sanctioned pupils are : Bénie Dauphine Dushime, Cynthia Niyogushima, Ange Policée Ingabire, Emeryne Igaraneza, and Elie Bukeyeneza. According to the investigation’s findings, Bénie Dauphine Dushime obtained the papers, which she then gave to Cynthia Niyogushima and Ange Policée Ingabire. Cynthia Niyogushima then shared them with Elie Bukeyeneza.

The ministry described these acts as serious fraud, in violation of Articles 17 and 35 of the school regulations, and deemed their final expulsion justified. However, a relaxation measure allows them to enroll in another school to repeat the same school year.

Accusations of bias

The decision is not unanimous. Several parents denounce a sanction they consider “unfair and unbalanced,” believing that those truly responsible have not been held accountable.

They specifically cite Alfred Karisabiye, principal of the Kivumya Primary School (ECOFO) in Mugara village, who is presented as the source of the leak. According to local sources, he allegedly forwarded the papers to some of the pupils he supervised during evening classes. The families regret his absence from Minister François Havyarimana’s decision and claim that he benefits from protection due to his alleged membership in the ruling party.

Silence on administrative responsibilities

The ministerial memo makes no mention of the incriminated principal, fueling suspicions of selective impunity. Residents of Rumonge deplore the fact that only pupils are being punished, while an administrative official cited in several testimonies appears to have been spared.

According to unconfirmed reports, Alfred Karisabiye was suspended from his duties at the start of the investigation conducted by the district education department in Rumonge. However, to date, no legal proceedings have been initiated against him in this case.