Burundi’s sacked central bank governor was on Wednesday, October 11 arrested on suspicion of alleged corruption.
The country’s justice ministry said Dieudonné Murengerantwari was arrested over money laundering and misappropriation of public assets allegations.
On Sunday, President President Évariste Ndayishimiye had sacked him just over a year after taking up the post.
In a statement signed by Attorney General Leonard Manirakiza, the ministry said “this characterisation of the facts remains provisional”, and that the former governor is “undergoing questioning”.
Murengerantwari was appointed to the post for a five-year term in August 2022.
President Évariste’s legacy
Ever since he came to power in 2020, President Évariste has been hailed different stakeholders – including human rights activists – of gradually improving the welfare of Burundians, unlike his predecessor Pierre Nkurunziza’s, which was described as “chaotic and bloody”.
Burundi’s economy is not doing very well, with the landlocked country facing a shortage of foreign currency, making it difficult to import goods.
A shortage of fuel and the skyrocketing prices of basic commodities has also worsened the cost of living.
According to World Bank data, about 65% of the population of 12 million live in poverty.
