AU Dismisses Burundian Diplomat After He Criticised Kenya Over Trader Crackdown
A senior Burundian diplomat has been dismissed by the African Union Commission after publicly raising concerns over Kenya’s treatment of Burundian traders during a crackdown on undocumented foreign nationals.
Ambassador Fred Gateretse Ngoga, who had served at the African Union Commission for 17 years, announced his departure shortly after questioning why Burundian nationals appeared to be bearing the brunt of enforcement against foreign traders in Kenya.
Ngoga used social media platform X to raise concerns over the treatment of Burundian traders, questioning why his fellow nationals were being singled out while other foreign nationals were also operating businesses across the country.
His comments came as the Kenyan government stepped up enforcement against foreign nationals running small businesses without the necessary immigration, work and business documentation.
However, the circumstances surrounding Ngoga’s departure have since become the subject of a dispute.
The African Union Commission said Ngoga did not resign, but was instead summarily dismissed for gross misconduct.
The development reportedly came just a day after Ngoga publicly criticised the situation involving Burundian nationals in Kenya.
He later welcomed a decision by the Kenyan government to provide foreign traders with a 90-day grace period to regularise their status.
Ngoga subsequently deleted his post announcing his resignation and has not publicly explained whether he initially intended to leave the AU voluntarily or whether his departure followed disciplinary proceedings.
Kenya gives foreign traders 90 days
Under the government’s 90-day grace period, foreign traders are required to regularise their immigration status, obtain the necessary work permits, register their businesses and secure relevant licences before full enforcement resumes.
The crackdown had triggered anxiety among Burundian nationals living and working in Kenya, with hundreds seeking assistance from the Burundi Embassy in Nairobi as they attempted to secure identification and travel documents.
A spot check by Kenyans.co.ke on Thursday evening found Burundian nationals and their families seeking refuge at the embassy, which had hosted significant numbers of people over several days as they sought assistance.
Humanitarian organisations also stepped in to support those affected.
St John Ambulance and the Kenya Red Cross were providing food supplies to Burundian nationals and their families staying at the embassy during the period.
Kenya apologises amid concerns
The Kenyan government has since apologised to Burundian nationals who experienced hardship during the crackdown.
Officials have maintained that there is no blanket ban on foreign traders, insisting that the government’s actions are aimed at enforcing existing immigration and business regulations rather than targeting a particular nationality.
The government has also encouraged undocumented East African nationals to work through their respective embassies to regularise their stay and obtain the necessary documentation.
The episode, however, has raised fresh questions over how Kenya’s enforcement drive is being implemented and the diplomatic consequences of actions affecting citizens of neighbouring East African countries.
Ngoga’s dismissal has added another layer to the controversy, placing renewed attention on the treatment of Burundian traders and the delicate diplomatic relationship between Kenya, Burundi and regional institutions.
Also Read: Inside China’s High-Tech Traffic System That Could Save Nairobi Motorists Hours in Gridlock