Foreign Actors Benefit from Criminal Synergies in Burundi

A network of foreign actors, often based in neighboring countries, have been exploiting criminal synergies in Burundi, according to evidence gathered by international organizations and local sources.

The Networks Involved

The networks reportedly involve non-state armed militias, government-affiliated militias, state security chiefs, high-ranking civil servants, politicians, local authorities, and businessmen. These groups have been involved in various criminal activities, including:

Drug trafficking
Human trafficking
Arms smuggling

One of the most notorious groups is the Imbonerakure, a militia loyal to the ruling party that has been accused of involvement in organized crime. The group’s leader has been linked to illegal activities, including money laundering and corruption.

Foreign Actors

In addition to these local networks, foreign actors have also been identified as playing a key role in perpetuating criminal activity in Burundi. These individuals and groups are often based in neighboring countries, such as:

Tanzania
Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

The presence of foreign actors has contributed to the country’s lack of territorial integrity, with borders being exploited for smuggling and trafficking activities.

Lack of Capacity to Combat Organized Crime

Burundi’s capacity to combat organized crime is severely limited due to the involvement of high-ranking government officials in both criminal activity and illicit business. This has led to a lack of separation of powers and a tight grip on the state apparatus by the ruling party.

As a result, law enforcement efforts have been undermined by:

Politicization
Rampant corruption

The country also lacks the capacity for supervisory, investigative, and enforcement bodies to enforce anti-organized crime legislation.

Economic and Financial Environment

Burundi’s economic environment is characterized by:

High unemployment rates
Lack of economic prospects in rural areas
An informal economy that hinders state regulatory capacity

The country’s mining sector contributes very little to the economy due to illicit activities. The government has taken steps to develop its financial intelligence unit to combat money laundering and bring the country in line with international anti-money laundering standards.

The limited support available to victims of organized crime is provided exclusively by NGOs, which are often hindered by:

Lack of resources
Political leverage

Government repression has severely restricted the capacity of civil society, with many NGOs banned or forced into exile. Corruption has also infiltrated these bodies, and local NGOs have been involved in embezzlement.

Despite these challenges, some government officials have sent positive signals about press freedom and acceptance of civil society involvement.

Conclusion

The presence of foreign actors benefiting from criminal synergies in Burundi highlights the need for strengthened international cooperation to combat organized crime. The country’s lack of capacity to combat organized crime, limited economic opportunities, and restricted civil society capacity all contribute to a complex and challenging environment.

In order to address these challenges, it is essential that:

The government takes concrete steps to strengthen its institutions
Increase transparency and accountability
Promote an enabling environment for civil society and the private sector

International partners must also continue to provide support and assistance to help Burundi build its capacity to combat organized crime and address the root causes of poverty and inequality.