The arrest of the provincial commissioner of the Air and Border Police (PAFE) of Rutana (southeast Burundi), Police Colonel Gérard Nduwimana, continues to provoke strong reactions among the population and local law enforcement. The officer was arrested on Thursday evening March 27, around 9:00 p.m., while he was in a bistro in the provincial capital.

INFO SOS Médias Burundi

According to several police sources, Colonel Nduwimana allegedly attempted to forcefully repay a debt of more than 15 million Burundi francs owed to him by a local merchant, nicknamed Mwarabu. Mwarabu is close to the provincial governor, Olivier Nibitanga. The colonel then allegedly contacted local judicial authorities, including the prosecutor and the president of the Rutana First Instance Court to obtain reimbursement of this sum.

The situation took a more dramatic turn when Mwarabu’s wife was caught selling a house. Commissioner Nduwimana, accompanied by his colleague, the provincial commissioner for internal security, went to the scene to interrupt the transaction, in the presence of several witnesses, including members of the youth league of the CNDD-FDD, the ruling party, the Imbonerakure.

Accusations of attempted shooting

The witnesses immediately alerted the governor, Olivier Nibitanga, accusing Colonel Nduwimana of attempting to threaten those present with his firearm. In response to these accusations, the governor contacted the prosecutor, the provincial commissioner, and the head of the provincial intelligence service. The incident was followed by mediation at the prosecutor’s office, where Mwarabu’s wife acknowledged her husband’s debt and offered an immediate partial repayment of 5 million Burundi francs, with a plan for the remaining sum. However, the incident took a more political turn when some members of the Imbonerakure attempted to ethnicize the case.

An arrest perceived as arbitrary

Under pressure, Governor Nibitanga ordered the arrest and disarmament of Colonel Nduwimana. Police sources claim that this decision may have been motivated by political and ethnic considerations. According to these sources, the governor wanted to get rid of the only Tutsi officer still stationed at the Rutana provincial police station.

At 2 a.m. on the night of March 27-28, Colonel Nduwimana was transferred to the Prosecutor General’s Office at the Makamba Court of Appeal (south), where he was heard in the afternoon. Meanwhile, many residents and colleagues in Rutana denounced what they consider a blatant injustice, pointing out that the creditor was in detention while the debtor, Mwarabu, remained free.

A debtor with a troubled past

Concordant information reveals that Mwarabu left the country even before his case was finalized by the Rutana prosecutor’s office. This rapid departure raises many questions. A former inmate of Rutana prison, Mwarabu had a criminal past marked by his monopoly on domestic trade, which he managed with the help of accomplices within the prison administration and law enforcement. Among his supporters, Governor Olivier Nibitanga is reportedly mentioned as a facilitator of his activities, even after his release.

Mwarabu’s sudden departure raises questions about his ties to senior provincial authorities, and some analysts believe he may be receiving protection to evade justice.

Local reactions and concerns

The arrest of Colonel Nduwimana has exacerbated existing tensions between the province’s various political factions. The incident raises concerns about the independence of the judiciary and the politicization of security institutions. Calls for the officer’s immediate release and a thorough investigation into the circumstances of his arrest have been issued by several residents and local organizations.

In a tense political context marked by ethnic and regional rivalries, this case could further fuel divisions and damage the image of the provincial administration. Colonel Nduwimana’s future remains uncertain, but his case could become a symbol of the abuse of power and injustice within the state apparatus.

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The police station office in Rutana province (SOS Médias Burundi)