Burundi: A Hotbed of Criminal Activity

Kigali, Rwanda - A new report has shed light on the prevalence of criminal networks operating in Burundi, with foreign actors playing a significant role in various illegal activities.

The Report’s Findings

The report reveals that private sector actors have collaborated with political figures to commit economic crimes such as:

• Abuse of exemptions policies
• Goods smuggling
• Human trafficking

These networks are allegedly based on political affiliations within the ruling party and long-standing relationships. High-ranking officials in Burundi’s government have been involved in organized criminal activity, including:

• Illicit business dealings
• Corruption

This has severely limited the country’s law enforcement capacity, making it difficult for authorities to enforce anti-organized crime legislation.

The Role of Foreign Actors

Foreign actors play a significant role in various illegal activities, including:

• Human trafficking
• Smuggling

The border with Tanzania and Kenya is particularly vulnerable due to corrupt officials and lax security measures, allowing cross-border criminal activity to thrive.

Impact on the Country’s Economy

Corruption, inefficient regulation, and a lack of infrastructure development have led to:

• High levels of unemployment
• Poverty

This has driven many people into illegal activities such as human smuggling and trafficking.

Challenges for Victims of Organized Crime

Limited support mechanisms are available for victims of organized crime in Burundi, and those that do exist are often underfunded and understaffed. The government has made some efforts to comply with minimum standards for combating human trafficking, but more needs to be done to address the root causes of the problem.

Challenges for Civil Society Organizations

Government repression has severely restricted the capacity of civil society organizations to operate effectively in tackling organized crime. Many local NGOs are involved in embezzlement and corruption, while independent media outlets and anti-corruption activists face harassment and intimidation.

Recommendations

To address these challenges, we recommend:

• The government takes concrete action to address corruption and improve the lives of ordinary Burundians.
• International organizations provide financial and technical support to help Burundi develop its law enforcement capacity and combat organized crime.
• Civil society organizations are given more space to operate effectively in tackling organized crime, without fear of harassment or intimidation.

Key Findings

• Private sector actors have collaborated with political figures to commit economic crimes.
• High-ranking officials in Burundi’s government have been involved in organized criminal activity.
• Foreign actors play a significant role in various illegal activities.
• The border with Tanzania and Kenya is particularly vulnerable to cross-border criminal activity.
• Corruption, inefficient regulation, and lack of infrastructure development have led to high levels of unemployment and poverty.
• Limited support mechanisms are available for victims of organized crime.
• Government repression has severely restricted the capacity of civil society organizations.

By working together to address these challenges, we can help Burundi combat its severe criminal activity problem and improve the lives of ordinary citizens.