When justice loses credibility, the trust of citizens is shaken — a reality that once again seems to be unfolding in Burundi.
“Can a former prosecutor suspended for serious misconduct truly embody justice again?” This is the question many citizens are asking following the recent appointment of Ferdinand BAZIKWANKANA as Deputy Prosecutor General at the Court of Appeal of Buhumuza, according to a ministerial order signed on April 3, 2026, by the Minister of Justice, Alfred Ahingejeje.
This decision has sparked widespread confusion. Indeed, Ferdinand BAZIKWANKANA, former prosecutor of Cankuzo Province, had previously been suspended from his duties following numerous allegations of corruption and practices contrary to judicial ethics.
Since his suspension in November 2025, he had remained without any official position, effectively unemployed and removed from any activity within the judicial system. Yet, his reappointment to a high judicial office has surprised many observers.
According to several testimonies, his tenure at the Cankuzo prosecution office (under the former administrative structure) was marked by serious misconduct: acceptance of bribes, manipulation of judicial files, and alleged protection of individuals accused of crimes.
The organization King Umurundi Freedom had notably denounced his involvement in the controversial release of members of the Imbonerakure accused of brutally killing a citizen, Leonard NSHIMIRIMANA, on February 1, 2025, on Bumba Hill, Camazi Zone, Gisagara Commune. Link: Cankuzo: Growing Concerns Over Impunity After the Release of Imbonerakure Accused of the Murder of NSHIMIRIMANA Léonard – KUF-ASBL
In response to these repeated accusations, his suspension in November 2025 had been widely welcomed by the local population, who saw it as a step toward more equitable justice.
Today, his return to the judicial system has triggered shock and indignation. Many are asking: was there truly no other credible candidate to fill such a strategic position?
More fundamentally, this appointment reignites a deeper debate: what are the real criteria for selection within the justice system? And how can public trust be restored when controversial figures are reinstated without transparent explanations?
For many citizens, this decision gives the impression of a judicial system that recycles its own failings instead of correcting them.
Within our organization, we strongly condemn this appointment, which we consider both surprising and concerning, at a time when the justice system should instead be strengthening its credibility and integrity.