Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Burundi
On the morning of September 5, 2026, His Excellency Ambassador Édouard Bizimana, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and Development Cooperation, chaired an urgent meeting with Ambassadors accredited to Burundi representing the member countries of the East African Community (EAC). The purpose of this meeting was to exchange views on the worrying situation concerning certain Burundian citizens engaged in small commercial activities in the region, particularly in Kenya, who have recently been victims of mistreatment and discrimination.
His Excellency the Minister recalled that the Government of Burundi received with regret the statements made on June 18, 2026, by a Kenyan Member of Parliament, claiming that Burundians did not have access to petty jobs in Kenya and that they should return to their country. Following these remarks, several Burundian nationals engaged in small-scale trade encountered difficulties in carrying out their activities, even suffering acts of spoliation and unjustified violence.
The Minister also noted that these statements were followed by a speech by the Kenyan President, which exacerbated tensions and provoked violence targeting Burundian citizens. While reaffirming that Burundi respects the sovereign decisions of the Kenyan authorities regarding trade regulation, His Excellency Édouard Bizimana insisted on the need for these to be implemented in strict compliance with fundamental rights and human dignity. He recalled that the EAC constitutes a family, within which no citizen should be treated with indignity.The Minister indicated that the main objective of this meeting was to request the Ambassador of Kenya to Burundi, Mr. Henry Wambuma, to transmit this message to the authorities of his country, so that peaceful and diplomatic solutions could be found quickly to put an end to this situation.In response, the Ambassador of Kenya to Burundi highlighted the strength of bilateral and diplomatic relations between Burundi and Kenya, asserting that no incident could jeopardize them. He assured that his government would actively involve itself to guarantee the dignity and safety of Burundians carrying out their activities on Kenyan territory.
Speaking next, the Ambassador of the Democratic Republic of Congo to Burundi, Mr. Willy Mulamba Mabika, recalled that each EAC member country should act in the spirit of Pan-Africanism. He insisted on the fact that Africa is a space of solidarity, and that neglecting such situations could lead to excesses similar to those observed in South Africa, marked by acts of xenophobia and violence against foreign nationals. He urged African countries to unite in firmly condemning these practices and to build a peaceful and unified community.
In conclusion, His Excellency Minister Édouard Bizimana launched an appeal to all Burundians residing abroad to scrupulously respect the laws and regulations of host countries, particularly regarding travel documents. He reaffirmed the commitment of the Government of Burundi to protect its diaspora and their property, while inviting them to report any criminal act or difficulty encountered, so that appropriate solutions can be provided.
Burundi is preparing to send buses to Kenya, and the Embassy of Burundi in Nairobi will issue free emergency travel passes (laissez-passer) to facilitate the return of those wishing to leave Kenya.The Kenyan government will be held responsible for anything that happens to Burundian citizens, and Burundi reserves the right to take the necessary measures within the framework of reciprocity.