2025 Ombudsman report: What Burundians need to know

The Ombudsman of the Republic of Burundi, Aimée Laurentine Kanyana, appeared before Parliament on February 4 to present her 2025 annual activity report, highlighting major efforts to defend citizens’ rights, prevent conflicts, and promote good governance across the country.

Speaking to lawmakers, Kanyana reminded them that the Ombudsman Institution is an independent constitutional body responsible for investigating citizens’ complaints about injustice, abuse, and problems in public administration.

She said the Institution handled 776 cases during the year. More than 600 were judicial matters, while 79 cases came from the Ministry of Interior, Community Development, and Public Security and were linked to misconduct by administrative leaders.

Kanyana said these achievements were made possible thanks to the understanding and support of the Government of Burundi, as well as cooperation from state institutions that received the complaints raised by citizens.

As part of conflict prevention, the Ombudsman’s team carried out outreach visits in 12 communes, where they met residents and listened to their concerns.

They also visited the border posts of Ruhwa, Gatumba, and Mparamirundi, where they spoke with people living near the borders, especially traders and cross-border trade cooperatives. Many told the team their businesses had stopped because of land border closures.

Kanyana explained to them that the closures were meant to prevent external threats and protect national security. The Institution advised affected traders to explore other income-generating activities while waiting for security conditions in the region to improve.

Much of 2025 was devoted to national elections, mediation, and conflict prevention. According to the Ombudsman, the elections took place in a generally peaceful atmosphere.

Her Institution sensitized citizens on proper conduct during the electoral period and observed voting day to help prevent conflicts between political parties and independent candidates. She congratulated all actors involved in the process for their professionalism and sense of responsibility.

On the regional and international level, the Burundi Ombudsman took part in several missions abroad through African and international Ombudsman associations. Kanyana currently serves as Coordinator of African Ombudsmen and Mediators for Central Africa.

She also held talks with her counterparts in Tanzania and Zambia. Following these discussions, several Burundian prisoners who had been detained in those countries due to lack of residency documents were released and reunited with their families back home.

Members of Parliament encouraged her to continue such engagements to secure the release of more Burundians and to seek authorization for citizens whose visas had expired to return to Burundi.

Kanyana said the Institution will continue educating Burundians, especially young people and women, about the national vision of becoming an emerging country by 2040 and a developed nation by 2060.

She noted that many citizens, including some civil servants, still do not understand their role in achieving this vision. The Ombudsman plans to address these gaps and help people better understand their responsibilities and opportunities.

After her presentation, lawmakers asked questions about youth engagement under Resolution 2250, conflict resolution when parties refuse peaceful settlement, and how overcrowding is handled during prison visits.

Kanyana explained that youth programs remain a priority, alongside actions linked to Resolution 1325 on women, peace, and security. When disputes cannot be resolved amicably, the Institution refers cases to competent authorities. During prison visits, the Ombudsman works with authorities to free eligible detainees while ensuring public safety.

At the end of the session, Burundi’s National Assembly officially approved the Ombudsman’s 2025 annual report.

Kanyana closed by thanking the Government of Burundi, Parliament, and national and international partners for their continued support, saying it plays a key role in helping the Institution carry out its mission.

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