This third part traces the origins and the unfolding of the intimidation campaign targeting Burundian doctors, as well as the identities of those who have already been arrested.
According to investigations conducted by King Umurundi Freedom, the repression began with the direct targeting of the leadership of the SYMEGEB medical union.
On January 21, 2025, the union’s president, Dr Aimable NDABEREYE, was summoned by the intelligence services. Shortly thereafter, Dr Joseph MIBURO, the union’s representative in Bujumbura, was also summoned.
Both doctors were interrogated, ordered to halt ongoing union activities, and released the same day. This episode marked the starting point of the intimidation campaign.
Subsequently, the intelligence services attempted to arrest Dr Eric KANEZA, the union’s vice-president. As he was abroad on a professional mission at the time, agents arrested his wife on January 28, 2025. According to internal sources within the intelligence services, she was forced to convey an order to her husband to cease all union-related activities. She was later released.
At the same time, Dr Donatien HABINTWARI, the union’s treasurer, became the subject of active searches. Agents went to his former residence in Kayanza Province, but were unable to locate him.
All of these doctors are being prosecuted for “undermining the internal security of the State”, an accusation directly linked to union meetings held in July 2024.
The Wave of Arrests
At this stage, five doctors have been arrested. All are being held at the central headquarters of the intelligence services in Bujumbura, following arrests carried out in a brutal manner and without any known arrest warrants.
● Dr Nazaire NDEREYIMANA, head of the Fota health district (Mwaro Province), was arrested on January 27, 2025, in Bujumbura while on official duty. He was forcibly taken away by agents, while the official vehicle was sent back with its driver.
● Dr Pierre-Claver RURAGAHIYE was arrested on January 30, 2025, at his workplace, at the hospital run by religious sisters in Musongati Commune.
● Dr Achel IGIRANEZA, a physician at Gahombo Hospital (Kayanza Province), was arrested on January 30, 2025, directly at his place of work.
● Dr Désiré CONGERA, practicing at Mpanda Hospital, was arrested on January 30, 2025, under similar circumstances.
● Dr Polycarpe NTAKIYIRUTA, former physician at MIVO Hospital (Ngozi Province), was arrested on January 31, 2025, after being lured away from his post by a deceptive phone call made by a nun affiliated with the hospital.
In response to these arrests, several doctors have ceased all professional activity or gone into hiding, believing that their physical and moral safety can no longer be guaranteed.
A Dangerous Drift with Serious Consequences for the Health System.
These events constitute a serious blow to the country’s image and to the stability of the health system. Salary-related grievances remain a structural problem in Burundi, but they are particularly acute in the medical sector. The massive exodus of doctors and the shortage of practitioners in public hospitals have been officially acknowledged by the Minister of Health before the National Assembly.
In this context, it is difficult to understand why doctors are now being hunted down for collectively and peacefully asserting their rights, with the stated objective of improving the quality of healthcare provided to the population.
It should also be recalled that the National Council of the Order of Physicians of Burundi (CNOMB) is the legally mandated body responsible for regulating medical practice and sanctioning professional misconduct. However, in the face of the current situation, the silence of this institution raises serious concerns.
🔸 Solemn Appeal
King Umurundi Freedom calls on the Burundian authorities—first and foremost the Presidency of the Republic, the Head of State Évariste Ndayishimiye, as well as the Ministry of Health—to immediately put an end to these practices. Beyond the clear violation of fundamental rights, such actions risk deepening and prolonging the crisis in the health system.
The organization also urges the National Independent Human Rights Commission (CNIDH) to take up this case and ensure close and rigorous monitoring, as the safety of the doctors concerned appears to be seriously threatened.
👉 The second part of this investigation is available here: The Demands Behind the Wave of Arrests of Doctors— Part 2 – KUF-ASBL