EAC Contribution to the Fight Against Cross-Border Crime

On Wednesday, August 12, 2026, in Bujumbura, His Excellency Ambassador Édouard Bizimana, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration, and Development Cooperation, presided over the official handover ceremony of a donation of two Toyota Hilux vehicles, offered by the General Secretariat of the East African Community (EAC), represented by His Excellency Ambassador Stephen Patrick Mbundi, Secretary General of the Organization.

These vehicles are intended for the Ministry of the Home Affairs, Community Development, and Public Security, represented on this occasion by the Minister, the Honorable Léonidas Ndaruzaniye.

In his address, Minister Édouard Bizimana expressed, on behalf of the Government of Burundi, his profound gratitude for this donation, emphasizing that it will significantly contribute to the fight against cross-border crime. Speaking at the event, the Secretary General of the EAC emphasized the strategic importance of this support, explaining that the Secretariat intends, through this gesture, to strengthen relations with Burundi while providing a concrete response to the security challenges observed at the borders. He highlighted the objectives pursued: consolidating security, facilitating the movement of goods and services, promoting cross-border tourism, encouraging regional integration, and streamlining trade. He concluded by stating that “where peace and security prevail, development becomes inevitable and essential.”

In turn, the Honorable Léonidas Ndaruzaniye expressed his thanks to the EAC Secretariat for this indispensable support in the field of public security. He assured that these vehicles would be used in accordance with their mission and in strict compliance with the principle of sound management of public affairs