A Burundian diplomat has acknowledged that discrimination against Tutsi communities still exists in Burundi. Fred Gateretse Ngoga, a senior adviser on international partnerships and regional security mechanisms in the office of the African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, said in a post on X on Wednesday, May 27, that anti-Tutsi discrimination remains a reality in Burundi. ALSO READ: Tracing the roots of genocide ideology in the Great Lakes region “Unfortunately in Burundi, I wish I was wrong, but discrimination against Tutsi communities still exists,” Ngoga wrote. “Acknowledging this reality is important if we are to promote justice, reconciliation, and equal dignity for all,” he added. Unfortunately in # #Burundi, I wish I was wrong, but discrimination against Tutsi communities still exists. AU Chair. Acknowledging this reality is important if we are to promote justice, reconciliation, and equal dignity for all. I expect Insults, but will tell you what all... — Amb.Fred Ngoga (@NgogaFred) May 27, 2026 He further stated that “recognizing and addressing all forms of ethnic discrimination is essential to building lasting peace and social cohesion.” ALSO READ: How extremists used Ndadaye’s death to fuel 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi His comments come at a time when Burundi is involved in the conflict in eastern DR Congo, fighting alongside the Congolese government coalition that is accused of targeting Tutsi communities. Burundian troops have been operating in eastern DR Congo since at least November 2022. ALSO READ: How Burundian troops in South Kivu sparked a distinct humanitarian crisis amid DR Congo’s wider war The Burundian forces have also been accused of working alongside the Congolese army coalition that includes FARDC, the Kinshasa-backed Rwandan genocidal militia FDLR, Wazalendo and other local militias blamed for attacks and persecution targeting Banyamulenge and other Tutsi communities in eastern DR Congo. ALSO READ: DR Congo: Survivors of Nturo massacre narrate ordeal The accusations against Burundian troops intensified following reports of a blockade imposed on Minembwe in South Kivu in late 2025. Residents and community organisations accused coalition forces, including Burundian troops, of surrounding civilian areas and restricting access to food, medicine, markets and humanitarian assistance. ALSO READ: Banyamulenge take Burundi govt to court over abuses in Minembwe Earlier this year, Banyamulenge community organisations filed a case before the East African Court of Justice accusing the Burundian government of human rights violations committed by its troops in Minembwe, including killings, persecution and destruction of property. ALSO READ: Analysts: Burundi's role in DR Congo conflict taints Ndayishimiye's tenure at AU The issue has also raised questions over the position of Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye, who currently chairs the African Union while Burundi remains militarily engaged in the conflict. Critics argue that Burundi’s continued military role in eastern DR Congo contradicts the neutrality expected from the holder of a position meant to promote peace, unity and mediation across the continent.
