The pair were reportedly arrested early February 2025 at the crossroads connecting Ngozi, Gitega and Muyinga. Police pulled them out of a taxi and took them to the station, where they spent the night before being transferred to Gitega Central Prison.
In June, they appeared before the Gitega Intermediate Court, telling judges that they had travelled to Burundi simply to attend a wedding. Prosecutors insisted they were intelligence operatives.
On August 22, the court ruled the women innocent. IGIHE has learnt that their release was delayed while prosecutors were given time to appeal. When no appeal was filed, the Ministry of Justice on August 29 ordered their release, which was immediately carried out.
After their release, Nyirahabineza and Nzeyimana stayed with friends in Gitega, though their travel documents remained confiscated. Their lawyer continued to press for their return. On September 3, Burundian authorities returned the documents, clearing the way for their journey back to Rwanda.
The case comes amid strained relations between Kigali and Bujumbura. Rwandans travelling to Burundi face heavy scrutiny, as Burundian authorities accuse Rwanda of trying to destabilise its security, allegations Rwanda has consistently denied, stressing its commitment to peaceful coexistence with neighbours.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/burundi-court-acquits-two-rwandan-women-accused-of-espionage
