In recent days, several Burundian doctors have been arrested by intelligence services, while others have been subjected to intimidation. The reasons behind these measures remain unclear, but they have sparked deep concern within the healthcare sector.
Following these arrests, King Umurundi Freedom conducted an in-depth investigation. It has been established that five doctors are currently being detained, while others continue to face pressure and intimidation.
This investigation will be presented in three parts.
In essence, these doctors are being targeted for discussions held within their union’s WhatsApp group, where they addressed measures to improve the remuneration and working conditions of Burundian medical practitioners.
Their objectives were to:
●Ensure greater recognition for doctors,
●Curb the exodus of medical professionals abroad,
●Improve the overall quality of healthcare in Burundi.
Is this an attempt by the State to intimidate and silence them? Why have these arrests been carried out in such a brutal manner, without any official notice or explanation?
All the doctors concerned are members of SYMEGEB (Syndicat des Médecins Généralistes du Burundi), the national union of general practitioners, led by Dr Aimable NDABEREYE, with Dr Eric KANEZA as vice-president.
For context, it should be recalled that in 2024, the Minister of Health, Lyduine BARADAHANA, acknowledged before the National Assembly that Burundi’s health sector was facing serious salary-related challenges, prompting many doctors to leave the country in search of better-paying opportunities abroad. At the time, the average monthly salary of a doctor in Burundi did not exceed 457,000 Burundian francs (less than 100 USD).
Although the minister announced that a salary increase plan was under preparation, no official directive was ever issued. As a result, some hospitals independently introduced salary bonuses, while others did not.
Examples include:
■ Mutaho Hospital (Gitega): a bonus of 500,000 FBu per doctor,
■ Gitega Regional Hospital: a similar bonus,
■ Hospitals in Rumonge, Ngozi, and Kayanza: bonuses also implemented.
Faced with this lack of coordination, doctors began organizing through their union to defend their rights, improve their working conditions, and ensure the stability of the national healthcare system. From July 2024 onwards, regular meetings were held
under the leadership of:
1. Dr Aimable NDABEREYE, President,
2. Dr Eric KANEZA, Vice-President,
3. Dr Donatien HABINTWARI, Treasurer,
4. Dr Innocent NZIRORERA, Secretary,
alongside other union officials.
These meetings pursued two main objectives:
🔹 To reduce the alarming exodus of Burundian doctors amid a growing shortage,
🔹To define measures aimed at improving doctors’ living standards and securing their professional practice, in order to guarantee quality healthcare in public hospitals, which are often confronted with difficult working conditions and chronic underfunding.
In the second part of this report, we will examine in detail the discussions held during these meetings and how they were received and acted upon by the authorities.
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