On June 4, 2026, CDH/VICAR joined twenty-one Burundian civil society organizations in issuing an urgent appeal addressed to the Belgian Minister of Asylum and Migration. The communication calls for strengthened protection measures for Burundian refugees, asylum seekers, journalists, human rights defenders, and political activists residing in Belgium.
The appeal raises concerns following public statements attributed to the Burundian ambassador accredited to Belgium, Luxembourg, and the European Union. According to the signatories, these statements appear to suggest access to sensitive information regarding the private lives, movements, and activities of Burundian nationals in exile, raising fears of surveillance beyond national borders.
The organizations emphasize that such allegations, if confirmed, would contribute to an atmosphere of fear within the Burundian diaspora in Belgium. Many members of this community have fled persecution, arbitrary arrests, and political repression in Burundi due to their civic engagement or perceived opposition activities. The possibility of continued monitoring abroad has intensified their sense of vulnerability.
The appeal also highlights concerns regarding the alleged presence in Belgium of Lieutenant Colonel Claver Nahimana, also known as “Gakanya,” a senior officer in the Burundian armed forces. The signatories reference previous allegations linking him to serious human rights violations, including cases of extrajudicial killings, and note that such concerns had already led to challenges regarding his international assignments.
Another issue raised in the document is the perceived tightening of asylum procedures for Burundian applicants in Belgium. Civil society organizations express concern that current assessments may not fully reflect the ongoing risks faced by journalists, activists, political opponents, and individuals associated with the 2015 protests, potentially leading to inadequate protection decisions.
The organizations call on Belgian authorities to ensure robust safeguards for the Burundian diaspora, including protection of physical and digital security, confidentiality of personal data, respect for the principle of non-refoulement, and formal clarification of the concerns raised. The appeal underscores that international protection must remain effective and credible for those who sought safety in exile.
