Our organization strongly condemns the troubling situation faced by cleaning staff at the Bank of the Republic of Burundi (BRB) branch in Rumonge. These workers, hired through the contractor SOMUTECO, endure unacceptable working conditions: very low wages, short-term precarious contracts, and constant threats of dismissal for raising concerns or complaints.
While their colleagues directly employed by BRB in other branches, including Bujumbura, Gitega, and Ngozi, benefit from fair treatment, these Rumonge workers are left behind without protection or respect for their fundamental rights. This situation fuels deep feelings of injustice and frustration among these dedicated employees.
We urgently call on the relevant authorities, particularly President Evariste Ndayishimiye, to intervene swiftly to ensure that these workers receive equal recognition and treatment as their peers in other BRB branches. Such action is essential to guarantee the dignity, safety, and motivation of these workers who contribute daily to the smooth running of this key national institution.
We also call for an urgent review of subcontracting practices within BRB to ensure transparency, social justice, and respect for labor rights for all employees, regardless of their recruitment arrangements.