Forced Early Retirement Leaves Burundian Teachers in Economic Turmoil

Retired Burundian teachers are grappling with a financial and emotional crisis after being forced into early retirement at 60 instead of the expected 65 years. Many are now struggling to repay bank loans they had taken, assuming they had five more years of income to fulfill their obligations.

These teachers, caught off guard by the government’s decision, describe the situation as unjust. One retired teacher explained: “We took out loans thinking we’d retire at 65, giving us enough time to repay. Being sent into retirement at 60, without prior warning, leaves us unable to meet these obligations while unemployed,” he said.

The retirees demand reinstatement into their teaching positions to allow them to repay their loans before retiring as initially planned. They also urge the Ministry of Public Service to abandon measures requiring immediate repayment, which they claim are unrealistic given their lack of income.

“The ministry should either reinstate us or find an alternative solution. Asking us to repay loans while we’re out of work is senseless,” another teacher said.

Additionally, the retired educators criticize the National Office for Pensions and Risks (ONPR) for withholding required documentation, further complicating their situation.

The Coalition of Teachers’ Unions for National Solidarity (COSSESSONA) has expressed deep concern over the issue. Emmanuel Mashandari, the organization’s vice president, criticized the government for failing to prepare for the consequences of this decision.

“This forced retirement has left teachers unable to repay debts and provide for their families. The law states that pensions should match the net salary of the month preceding retirement, but this provision has not been applied for four years,” Mashandari told local radio station Bonesha FM earlier on Sunday.

COSSESSONA threatens to take legal action if the Ministry of Public Service does not resolve the matter.
“We will be forced to seek justice to address this blatant injustice. Teachers who dedicated over 30 years to serving their country now face the prospect of selling their properties to repay debts or forfeiting their pensions entirely,”Mashandari warned.

This crisis highlights the need for structural reforms in Burundi’s public service retirement system and underscores the vulnerability of teachers who have devoted their lives to educating the nation.