A Burundian diplomat has acknowledged that discrimination in opposition to Tutsi communities nonetheless exists in Burundi.
Fred Gateretse Ngoga, a senior adviser on worldwide partnerships and regional safety mechanisms within the workplace of the African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Safety, mentioned in a publish on X on Wednesday, Could 27, that anti-Tutsi discrimination stays a actuality in Burundi.
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“Sadly in Burundi, I want I used to be improper, however discrimination in opposition to Tutsi communities nonetheless exists,” Ngoga wrote.
“Acknowledging this actuality is necessary if we’re to advertise justice, reconciliation, and equal dignity for all,” he added.
Sadly in # #Burundi, I want I used to be improper, however discrimination in opposition to Tutsi communities nonetheless exists. AU Chair. Acknowledging this actuality is necessary if we’re to advertise justice, reconciliation, and equal dignity for all. I anticipate Insults, however will inform you what all…
— Amb.Fred Ngoga (@NgogaFred) Could 27, 2026
He additional said that “recognizing and addressing all types of ethnic discrimination is important to constructing lasting peace and social cohesion.”
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His feedback come at a time when Burundi is concerned within the battle in jap DR Congo, combating alongside the Congolese authorities coalition that’s accused of focusing on Tutsi communities.
Burundian troops have been working in jap DR Congo since at the least November 2022.
The Burundian forces have additionally been accused of working alongside the Congolese military coalition that features FARDC, the Kinshasa-backed Rwandan genocidal militia FDLR, Wazalendo and different native militias blamed for assaults and persecution focusing on Banyamulenge and different Tutsi communities in jap DR Congo.
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The accusations in opposition to Burundian troops intensified following experiences of a blockade imposed on Minembwe in South Kivu in late 2025.
Residents and group organisations accused coalition forces, together with Burundian troops, of surrounding civilian areas and limiting entry to meals, drugs, markets and humanitarian help.
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Earlier this 12 months, Banyamulenge group organisations filed a case earlier than the East African Courtroom of Justice accusing the Burundian authorities of human rights violations dedicated by its troops in Minembwe, together with killings, persecution and destruction of property.
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The problem has additionally raised questions over the place of Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye, who presently chairs the African Union whereas Burundi stays militarily engaged within the battle.
Critics argue that Burundi’s continued army function in jap DR Congo contradicts the neutrality anticipated from the holder of a place meant to advertise peace, unity and mediation throughout the continent.
