Burundi Grapples with High-Profile Defections as Economic Crisis Deepens

Burundi is witnessing a disturbing rise in defections among high-profile figures, with opposition parties blaming the country’s severe poverty for these disappearances. Kefa Nibizi, leader of the opposition party CODEBU, has criticized officials who disappear during state trips, urging the government to tackle the root causes of the issue.

In the past week, the disappearance of the Director General of Technical Education, after a state visit to Belgium in November, has gone viral on social media. The news has sparked outrage, with many calling it “a disgrace for the country.” According to an official letter from the Ministry of Education, the official has not returned to Burundi since his trip.

Earlier this week, the Ministry issued a letter announcing that an interim director has been appointed to replace the official who disappeared. The Ministry did not provide further details on the official’s whereabouts.

The rising defections are being linked to Burundi’s ongoing economic hardships. The chairman of CODEBU party says that “many citizens are fleeing the country because poverty is chasing them.” He calls on the government to increase efforts to address the worsening economic situation.

Gaspard Kobako, chairman of the opposition party AND Intadohoka, has also raised concerns over the growing number of Burundians expressing a desire to leave the country in search of better opportunities. Speaking on the issue, Kobako described it as “a clear indication of deeper systemic problems”. He urged those in power to adopt a more open and proactive approach to international cooperation.

This trend extends beyond government officials. An increasing number of young people, doctors, and even military officers training abroad in Europe and the United States reportedly fail to return to Burundi after completing their studies. Consequently, visa-issuing authorities often deny visas to Burundian nationals, fearing they may not return to the country.

This latest disappearance adds to a growing list of high-profile cases over the past few years. In 2023, ten young Burundian handball players went missing in Croatia before a world championship match. Media reports suggest the players planned to use their visas to seek asylum in Europe, further highlighting the challenges posed by Burundi’s economic crisis.

This article has been updated to include a reaction from Gaspard Kobako