Former Burundian Prime Minister Alain-Guillaume Bunyoni has made a court appearance to appeal his conviction on various charges, including allegations of attempting to overthrow the government, according to a judicial source and witnesses on Tuesday.
Bunyoni, who was once a prominent figure within the regime, served as prime minister from mid-2020 until his dismissal in September 2022, following President Evariste Ndayishimiye’s claims of an alleged coup plot against him.
In December, Bunyoni was sentenced to life imprisonment on multiple charges, including conspiracy to overthrow the constitutional regime, alleged use of witchcraft against the president, endangering national security, destabilizing the economy, and unlawful enrichment.
The 52-year-old army general pleaded not guilty to all charges, arguing for acquittal due to a lack of substantial evidence.
The appeal proceedings commenced amidst tight security on Monday at the Supreme Court, which convened in the prison located in the political capital of Gitega, where Bunyoni is currently detained.
During the hearing, Bunyoni reiterated his denial of any involvement in attempting to overthrow the government, emphasizing the absence of material evidence and legal grounds supporting the accusations against him.
Additionally, the prosecution has filed an appeal, contending that Bunyoni’s sentence was inadequate in terms of fines and asset confiscation.
Bunyoni was arrested in April last year in Bujumbura, the main city of Burundi. A former police chief and internal security minister, he was regarded as the leader of a group of military officials known as “the generals,” who held significant political influence in Burundi.
As a close associate of former President Pierre Nkurunziza, Bunyoni played a key role in the ruling CNDD-FDD party since it came into power in 2005.
Despite international recognition for President Ndayishimiye’s efforts to end Burundi’s isolation following Nkurunziza’s tumultuous rule, challenges persist, including the country’s poor human rights record and its status as one of the world’s poorest nations.
