Burundi’s Former Prime Minister Jailed For Life

Burundi’s Supreme Court has handed down a life sentence to Alain-Guillaume Bunyoni, a former prime minister and general, after finding him guilty of multiple offences. These charges encompassed attempted murder of President Évariste Ndayishimiye and actions deemed detrimental to the national economy.

The ruling resulted in the confiscation of four properties and 14 vehicles owned by Bunyoni. Among the seven individuals implicated in this case, two received 15-year sentences, three were sentenced to three years, and one was acquitted, apart from Bunyoni’s life sentence.

Bunyoni, who was in a top government position for over 15 years, including serving as prime minister from mid-2020 until his dismissal in September 2022, faced allegations from his time in office. However, during the trial, the timeline of the alleged crimes remained unclear.

The trial, which commenced three months ago, concluded with Bunyoni being convicted of charges like plotting against the head of state, intending to overthrow the constitutional regime, and various other offences including threats to national security and economic stability. Despite pleading not guilty and citing a lack of evidence, Bunyoni received the severe sentence.

The judicial proceedings took place in the political capital, Gitega, with Chief Justice Emmanuel Gateretse delivering the verdict at the prison where Bunyoni was detained.

Bunyoni, a former police chief and internal security minister, was considered part of a group of military leaders, known as “the generals,” wielding significant political influence in Burundi. His ties to the ruling CNDD-FDD party and his position as a close associate of former President Pierre Nkurunziza made him a prominent figure in Burundi’s political landscape.

President Ndayishimiye assumed power in June 2020 following the death of Nkurunziza. While his leadership was initially praised for attempting to end Burundi’s isolation, the country continues to grapple with human rights concerns and economic challenges, despite having a population of 12 million people.

Nkurunziza’s tenure was marked by political crackdowns, making Burundi an international outcast amid turmoil. His pursuit of a third term disregarded a peace deal that ended a brutal civil war in 2006, contributing to heightened tensions within the country.