Former Burundi premier Alain-Guillaume Bunyoni made a court appearance on Monday, facing charges of undermining national security and insulting the president, according to a judicial source and witnesses.
Bunyoni, who held the position of prime minister from mid-2020 until September 2022, was ousted during a political purge following the inauguration of President Evariste Ndayishimiye.
Bunyoni’s arrest took place last month in Bujumbura, the capital city, coinciding with the eve of his 51st birthday.
Witnesses present at the scene described their surprise at seeing him arrive in handcuffs, dressed in the customary green attire worn by Burundian prisoners.
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During Monday’s court session, held in a council chamber, Bunyoni’s pre-trial detention at Ngozi Prison in the country’s north was extended.
The decision was made by the judicial authorities, as confirmed by an anonymous source. The former premier had been charged on Friday before a three-judge high court, with the proceedings taking place behind closed doors.
The charges against Bunyoni, specifically related to undermining national security and insulting the president, highlight the tensions and power struggles within Burundi’s political landscape.
The country has experienced a period of political upheaval in recent years, marked by leadership changes and allegations of human rights abuses.
The case against Bunyoni will continue to unfold as the legal proceedings progress. Observers will closely monitor the developments, which could have significant implications for Burundi’s political landscape and the balance of power within the country.
