Bujumbura : two CNDD-FDD figures transferred to Mpimba Central Prison

SOS Médias Burundi

Bujumbura, April 7, 2026 — Two figures close to the CNDD-FDD were transferred on Tuesday afternoon to Bujumbura’s central prison, known as Mpimba, in a case involving alleged corruption and economic activities in rebel-held areas.

They are namely former Minister of Infrastructure Jean-Claude Nzobaneza, suspected of embezzling public funds, and businessman Aloys Ntakarutimana, nicknamed “Wakenya,” accused of conducting business in an area controlled by the M23, which Burundian forces are fighting alongside Kinshasa.

The two men had been held in the cells of the National Intelligence Service (SNR) in the commercial capital. According to sources close to the case, they arrived at Mpimba prison around 4:30 p.m.

The arrest of Wakenya, who had also been president of the Burundi Basketball Federation (FEBABU) since May 31, 2025, was already known, but that of Nzobaneza—unexpectedly replaced by Damien Niyonkuru on January 23, an unknown figure in the circles of the former Hutu rebellion—remained confidential for a long time.

Aloys Ntakarutimana was until then the protected man of Révérien Ndikuriyo, secretary general of the CNDD-FDD, who helped him rise to the head of FEBABU after paying him tens of millions of Burundi francs, according to our sources. Wakenya is also known for his public support of CNDD-FDD initiatives and the actions of President Évariste Ndayishimiye, making his detention particularly symbolic in the current political context.

This case comes as Burundi intensifies its fight against the embezzlement of public funds and economic influence in conflict zones, sending a strong signal to the political and economic elite close to the government. To date, no official statement has been made regarding the duration of their detention or the next legal steps.