Faith Nyasuguta
Burundi’s Supreme Court delivered a significant verdict on Friday, sentencing the ousted prime minister, Alain-Guillaume Bunyoni, to life in prison on charges that included attempting to overthrow the government and threatening the life of the president, according to a judicial source.
The trial, which commenced three months ago, accused Bunyoni, who served as prime minister from mid-2020 until his dismissal in September 2022, of various charges, including plotting against the head of state, utilizing witchcraft to threaten the president’s life, destabilizing the economy, and illegal enrichment.
The trial unfolded amid political tensions, with President Evariste Ndayishimiye warning of a coup plot shortly before firing Bunyoni.
Despite pleading not guilty to all charges and asserting a lack of evidence, Bunyoni found himself at the center of a trial that held significant political implications.
The court, situated in the political capital Gitega, issued the life sentence and additionally ordered the confiscation of Bunyoni’s properties, including houses, buildings, a land parcel, and 14 vehicles.
In addition to Bunyoni, five other defendants faced varying sentences, ranging from three to 15 years, with the seventh defendant, a driver, being acquitted.
Chief Justice Emmanuel Gateretse delivered the verdict during a court session held at the prison where Bunyoni was detained.
Bunyoni’s arrest in April in Bujumbura marked a pivotal moment, given his influential role in Burundi’s political landscape.
A former police chief and internal security minister, he was perceived as the leader of a group of military figures known as “the generals,” wielding significant political power.
His close association with former President Pierre Nkurunziza and influence within the ruling CNDD-FDD party positioned him as a key player, especially during the 2015 political crisis.
President Ndayishimiye assumed power in June 2020 after Nkurunziza’s death, and the trial underscored the complex political dynamics within the country.
Despite international acknowledgment for efforts to end Burundi’s isolation, challenges persist, including human rights concerns and economic struggles in one of the world’s poorest nations.
The trial’s conclusion marked a significant development, reflecting both the legal and political dimensions of Bunyoni’s case and its broader implications for Burundi’s political landscape.
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