The Embassy of Burundi in Kenya has raised concerns over the alleged mistreatment, harassment and deportation of Burundian nationals living in the country.
In a statement, the embassy called on Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni, who chairs the East African Community (EAC) Heads of State Summit, to urgently convene a regional meeting to address the concerns.
The embassy said the alleged treatment of Burundian nationals required urgent regional attention, given the close ties between Kenya and Burundi as members of the EAC.
Embassy facilitates return of Burundians
The concerns come alongside a new arrangement by the embassy to facilitate the return of Burundian nationals who wish to travel back home.
In a notice dated September 5, the embassy announced that it would issue Laissé-Passer travel documents free of charge to Burundian nationals seeking to return to Burundi.
The service begins on Monday, September 7, at the Burundi Embassy offices in Kilimani, Nairobi.
According to the notice, the documents will be issued between 9am and 2pm.
The arrangement is expected to assist Burundian nationals who may lack valid travel documents but wish to return home.
The embassy’s appeal for a regional summit comes amid heightened attention on the treatment and documentation of foreign nationals in Kenya, particularly citizens from other EAC member states.
