General Romuald Ndababishije was detained by the National Intelligence Service over the weekend in Bujumbura.
Police General Romuald Ndababishije, the deputy head of Burundi's migration services, was arrested last weekend in the economic capital, Bujumbura. Multiple police sources confirmed his detention by the National Intelligence Service (SNR). The reasons for his arrest remain officially unknown, though unverified reports suggest a potential financial matter related to passport issuance.
Sources indicate that Ndababishije was apprehended by SNR agents in the city where he resides and where the Migration General Commissariat offices are located. Some of his team members may also have been detained, as they are currently unreachable by phone. The exact circumstances of the arrest, including whether his residence was searched, are unclear.
Unconfirmed information circulating suggests the general may have demanded money from two individuals seeking passports, who are reportedly employees of the Burundian presidency. However, other police sources and acquaintances consider this unlikely. Ndababishije had recently returned from a trip to Ethiopia before his arrest, and family sources noted he had appeared worried for months.
Why it mattersThe arrest of a high-ranking migration official impacts the ability of individuals to obtain necessary travel documents.
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