A Long-Awaited Release Amid Questions
On May 29, 2025, Burundian businessman Vincent NDAGIJIMANA, who had been detained since May 26, was released and is now in Kayanza province. His detention occurred amid financial and political conflicts surrounding coltan, a mineral critical to both the Burundian economy and the international electronics industry.
As a reminder, Vincent NDAGIJIMANA’s case was detailed in our previous investigation on the 50-billion-franc scandal, which highlighted tensions and diversion of coltan revenues in Kabarore.
I. Vincent’s Release: Context and Reactions
Vincent was initially imprisoned by François Uwiragiye (Mayondori) and Réverien Hategekimana (Amstel), his former partners in BME, who refused to pay him the 50 billion Burundian francs he claims are owed for his share of the minerals he provided and helped to exploit.
The President of the Republic, Evariste NDAYISHIMIYE, publicly commented on the matter:
“Where does the mineral you extract really go? Where do the funds end up?”
“All this looted coltan does not benefit the state; the money disappears into private pockets, not a cent reaches the public treasury.”
“I will stop all of it myself; I will not allow coltan to continue being exploited at the expense of the country.”
These statements reveal a dual reality: while the President publicly demonstrates his commitment, the actual management of coltan remains opaque, controlled by Vincent and his two former partners, with implicit complicity from state authorities.
II. Behind the Scenes: Meetings and Secret Revenue Sharing
Since April 6, 2025, Vincent, Amstel, and Mayondori were summoned to four meetings at the presidential palace to attempt to resolve the revenue-sharing dispute. According to sources:
Coltan extracted from Kabarore is almost entirely controlled by these three men, with little benefit going to the state.
Financial arrangements are conducted behind closed doors, away from public scrutiny.
Profits from the actual exploitation are hidden, and Vincent, who tried to claim his share, faced threats of imprisonment.
While these meetings allowed for Vincent’s release, the opaque management of coltan continues.
III. The Coltan Scandal: Looting and Impunity
The core issue remains: coltan, a public resource meant for national development, is being exploited to enrich a few individuals at the expense of the state and the Burundian people.
Minerals are extracted by BME and the CDP cooperative, controlled by Amstel, with profits partly retained by Amstel and Mayondori.
Vincent NDAGIJIMANA, who contributed to production and organization, remains deprived of his due revenues.
The Burundian population asks:
“Why does coltan from Kabarore continue to enrich a few individuals instead of the state? Why don’t these resources fund the country’s development?”
King Umurundi Freedom continues to closely monitor the situation, denouncing concealment and injustice.
IV. Analysis: Complicity and Lack of Transparency
This situation highlights several troubling realities:
Actor complicity: Mayondori, Amstel, and, to some extent, President NDAYISHIMIYE, control coltan exploitation and revenue distribution, leaving little room for transparency.
Strategic resources under private control: Despite being public goods, minerals are managed almost exclusively by these three individuals.
Population left in the dark: Burundians remain unaware of actual profits and their use, fueling skepticism and mistrust.
V. Call for Transparency and Justice
Vincent NDAGIJIMANA’s release underscores the urgent need to:
Protect Vincent from intimidation or further pressure.
Ensure transparency in mineral management, so these resources benefit the country.
Allow justice to investigate fraud and abuse, involving Mayondori, Amstel, and all accomplices in concealing revenues.
Burundians have the right to know who truly benefits from coltan and how these strategic resources could fund national development.
VI. Conclusion
Vincent NDAGIJIMANA’s release is a relief, but the struggle for justice and transparency continues.
The case reveals a systemic problem: the looting of strategic resources, financial opacity, and enrichment of a few powerful actors, while minerals meant for the public good and national development are diverted.