Bubanza and Mpanda : the territorial reorganization exposes the lack of judicial infrastructure

SOS Médias Burundi

Bubanza, April 29, 2026 – The creation of local courts in each zone, as stipulated by the new administrative reform, is encountering significant logistical challenges in Bujumbura Province, western Burundi, where the courts are still operating under precarious conditions.

The recent reorganization of territorial administration in Burundi continues to pose major challenges to the implementation of judicial reform, particularly in the districts of Bubanza and Mpanda in Bujumbura Province.

This reform is part of a new administrative structure that has profoundly altered the territorial divisions. The provinces have been reorganized into five entities, while the number of districts has been reduced from 119 to 42. At the same time, the number of zones has been increased from 339 to 447, and the number of villages has risen from 2,910 to 3,037.

This is governed by Ministerial Order N⁰ 1287 of April 13, 2026, concerning the appointment and assignment of certain magistrates in Bujumbura Province. This order provides for the creation of local courts in each zone, as well as a First Instance court in each district, with the aim of bringing justice closer to the citizens.

Under this new system, magistrates have already been assigned to the various jurisdictions to ensure the implementation of this reform. However, on the ground, the lack of suitable infrastructure remains a major obstacle.

In the districts of Bubanza and Mpanda, the judicial system previously comprised seven local courts and one First Instance court. With the new administrative structure, the number of districts has increased to 17, leading to a significant rise in the need for judicial infrastructure.

The Mpanda First Instance Court is currently operating in the former premises of the local court, a temporary solution deemed inadequate. According to local sources, at least ten new offices will need to be built to accommodate judicial services in the new districts.

On the ground, working conditions remain difficult. Available spaces are often shared between various administrative and judicial services, a situation that complicates the daily operations of the courts.

Administrative officials indicate that plans are underway to construct new infrastructure. These future buildings should include offices for judges, registry offices, and courtrooms, all essential for the proper functioning of local justice.

The reform has been generally well received by the population, with many seeing it as a step towards more accessible justice. However, several observers believe that without adequate infrastructure, its implementation is likely to remain difficult on the ground, particularly in the districts of Bubanza and Mpanda in Bujumbura province.