Burundi Official Accused Over 150m-Franc Bounced Cheque

A Muramvya resident says he sold his land to pay for medical treatment but was left without money after receiving a cheque that could not be cashed.

A resident of Muramvya Province has accused Burundi’s Director General of Investigations of issuing him a bounced cheque worth 150 million Burundian francs, after the sale of land intended to finance medical treatment following a disability-causing illness.

The allegation has drawn public attention in Burundi, where cases involving senior officials and vulnerable citizens often raise wider questions about accountability and access to justice. The matter has now been reported to the country’s highest authorities.

According to the complainant, he decided to sell his land after suffering from a serious illness that left him with a permanent disability. He says the sale was meant to generate funds to cover medical expenses he could no longer afford.

He alleges that the cheque he received in exchange for the property later proved impossible to cash, leaving him without both his land and the expected financial support. The man says this has further worsened his financial and health situation.

Sources familiar with the case say the complainant made several attempts to resolve the issue amicably, including repeated efforts to recover the money. When these attempts failed, he chose to report the matter to higher authorities.

The case has since been brought to the attention of Burundi’s President, Évariste Ndayishimiye, adding pressure on institutions responsible for oversight and justice.

Legal experts note that issuing a cheque without sufficient funds is considered a criminal offence under Burundian law. They say such cases become particularly sensitive when large sums of money are involved and when the alleged victim is in a vulnerable position.

“This is a matter that touches on public trust in state institutions,” one legal analyst said, speaking on condition of anonymity. “The way it is handled will be closely watched.”

The accused official has not publicly commented on the allegations. Authorities have also not confirmed whether a formal investigation has been opened.

Observers say the outcome of the case could have broader implications for transparency, governance and citizens’ confidence in the justice system in Burundi. For now, the complainant says he hopes the authorities will ensure the matter is handled fairly and in accordance with the law.

 

IMIHIGO NEWS