Child Rights Group Denounces Growing Cross-Border Exploitation of Burundian Children

A local child rights organization in Burundi, SOJPAE, has raised alarm over the increasing exploitation of Burundian children across the border, denouncing what it calls a “disturbing rise” in child labor trafficking to neighboring Tanzania.

Speaking to local media on Friday, a SOJPAE representative said several children under 18 years old — recruited by their own neighbors and headed to Tanzania for forced labor, mainly in farming activities — were intercepted by the organization in collaboration with local police.

“We managed to arrest one of the recruiters, even though another escaped, thanks to good collaboration with police officers,” said David Ninganza, SOJPAE’s coordinator.

However, the child rights advocate criticized local authorities for their lack of initiative in addressing the issue.

“Is the local administration really playing its role?” he asked. “Local leaders should at least investigate to know where these children are being taken.”

According to local reports, the intercepted children originated from Butanyerera province in northern Burundi.

This latest case adds to a growing trend of trafficking of Burundian children across East Africa. Earlier this year, at least 476 Burundian children were reportedly detained in neighboring countries for lacking valid travel documents, according to the National Observatory for the Fight Against Trafficking in Persons (ONLCT).

Prime Mbarubukeye, ONLCT’s chairman, warned that child and youth trafficking has become “increasingly common” during the 2025 school holidays. He also criticized Burundian diplomats abroad for “failing to protect the rights of their citizens.”

His concerns were echoed by FENADEB, another child rights organization, which expressed alarm over the rising exploitation of women and children both within Burundi and across its borders.

Despite growing evidence and repeated warnings from rights groups, the Burundian government has not yet issued an official statement on the matter.

Ninganza has urged President Evariste Ndayishimiye to intervene and enforce stricter legal measures against child traffickers.

“What we plan to do is to apprehend these children, hand them over to the police, and later return them to their local administration,” he said, calling for stronger coordination between authorities and child protection groups.