Former Burundian Prime Minister on Trial for Security Charges

Alain-Guillaume Bunyoni, the former powerful prime minister of Burundi, has appeared in court on charges of undermining national security and insulting the president. Bunyoni, who had been the prime minister since June 2020, was dismissed in September 2022 after President Evariste Ndayishimiye accused him of plotting a coup. He has been detained since April and is currently being held in Gitega, the political capital of Burundi.

The trial began before the Supreme Court, with the hearing taking place in the prison where Bunyoni is being held. He and his six co-defendants appeared before the court, with Bunyoni dressed in the typical green uniform of Burundian prisoners. He spoke out against the “terrible conditions” of his detention and requested to be released on bail due to his health issues.

Bunyoni is facing charges of undermining the internal security of the state, undermining the national economy, and personal enrichment. He is also accused of possessing illegal weapons and insulting the current president. A close ally of former president Pierre Nkurunziza, Bunyoni was an influential figure in the ruling CNDD-FDD party.

While some view the current president as more open and progressive, a UN commission of inquiry stated in September 2021 that the human rights situation in Burundi remains “disastrous.” The country is also the world’s poorest in terms of GDP per capita, according to the World Bank.