Burundi : shortages, exodus, arbitrary detentions… bishops issue a harsh indictment

SOS Médias Burundi

Bujumbura, June 10, 2026 – Meeting in ordinary plenary assembly from June 1 to 5 in Bujumbura, Burundi’s commercial capital, home to the main United Nations agencies and the country’s central administration, the Catholic bishops painted a particularly bleak picture of the country’s socio-economic and institutional situation. While acknowledging a general climate of peace and security, they denounced a worsening of living conditions, marked by persistent shortages, a mass exodus of skilled workers, and violations of fundamental freedoms. The statement was released on Tuesday, June 9.

In this document, the Conference of Catholic Bishops of Burundi (CECAB), led by Bishop Joachim Ntahondereye of the Diocese of Muyinga in northeastern Burundi, expresses deep concern about what it describes as the ongoing deterioration of the daily lives of Burundians.

A worsening social crisis

The bishops warn of persistent shortages affecting several essential sectors. Fuel remains difficult to access, while drug shortages are reported in numerous health facilities. Added to this is the scarcity of many basic necessities, exacerbating the precarious situation of households.

According to the bishops, the continued rise in the cost of living is not accompanied by an improvement in income, making it increasingly difficult for a large segment of the population to meet their basic needs.

Agriculture, roads, and the economy under pressure

The prelates also highlight the difficulties encountered in the agricultural sector. Last season’s harvests fell short of expectations, due in particular to delays in fertilizer distribution and irregular rainfall.

The CECAB also deplores the advanced state of disrepair of road infrastructure. Combined with fuel shortages, this road condition severely hinders the movement of goods and people and hampers economic activity.

Skills brain drain

Another major concern is the growing exodus of the country’s most dynamic workforce. Doctors, teachers, recent graduates, and civil servants are leaving Burundi in search of better living and working conditions.

For the bishops, this brain drain directly threatens key development sectors and permanently weakens public and social institutions.

Freedoms, political pressure, and society

The statement also mentions certain practices deemed troubling. The bishops denounce the organization of official activities on Sundays, which prevent some parishioners from attending Sunday services.

They are also concerned about contributions allegedly imposed on citizens for the benefit of political parties, including non-members, arguing that this raises questions about respect for the political pluralism guaranteed by the Constitution.

Security and justice issues

On the security front, the CECAB (Conference of Catholic Bishops of Burundi) is alarmed by the recurring discovery of bodies in various regions of the country, without identification of the perpetrators.

The bishops also denounce the cases of individuals held in detention despite favorable court rulings, including acquittals or sentences already served, a situation they consider worrying for the rule of law.

Recurring tensions with the government

The positions taken by the Burundian episcopate have often provoked political reactions. In September 2019, Willy Nyamitwe, then head of communications at the presidency under former President Pierre Nkurunziza, strongly criticized certain Catholic bishops.

In a message posted on the social media X, he declared : “Some bishops should be defrocked because it has become a habit : on the eve of elections, they have to spew their venom of hatred through inflammatory messages. Good heavens! What could be more normal since they are not even paragons of piety.”

These remarks sparked numerous reactions from the civil society and national and international observers, who saw them as an illustration of the recurring tensions between the Catholic Church and certain political authorities in Burundi.

Call for responsible governance

Faced with all these challenges, the Catholic bishops are calling on the authorities, political leaders, and judicial institutions to take urgent measures to improve the living conditions of the population and guarantee respect for fundamental rights.

For the CECAB (Conference of Catholic Bishops of Burundi), the development of Burundi depends on responsible governance, respect for freedoms, justice, and the promotion of the common good.