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Burundi’s former central bank governor, Dieudonné Murengerantwari, has been arrested on suspicion of money laundering and misappropriation of public assets, following his dismissal by President Évariste Ndayishimiye.
These charges are “provisional” pending the outcome of investigations, as announced by the justice ministry.
Mr. Murengerantwari has not yet responded to these allegations.
The arrest comes amid a deep economic crisis in Burundi, marked by a shortage of foreign currency, making it challenging to import goods, along with fuel shortages and rising prices.
About 65% of the country’s 12 million population is living in poverty.
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The justice ministry’s statement accused Mr. Murengerantwari of actions undermining the national economy, passive corruption, money laundering, and misappropriation of public assets, although specific details were not provided.
He will remain in custody while investigations continue. Mr. Murengerantwari was originally appointed as the central bank governor for a five-year term but was dismissed during his second year in office.
He has been succeeded by Édouard Normand Bigendako.
This incident follows a similar case earlier in the year when Nigeria’s central bank governor, Godwin Emefiele, was suspended and charged with illegal ownership of a shotgun and cartridges, which he denied.
