Burundi minister found dead, probe begins

Gabby Bugaga, a senior government official in Burundi, has been found dead in his vehicle under circumstances authorities say are still under investigation.

His body was discovered by farmers inside a damaged four-wheel-drive vehicle roughly 10 metres off a rarely used road near Kivoga, close to Bujumbura.

The government said the death followed a car accident, but police sources indicated the exact cause remains unclear, citing injuries and damage patterns that have raised questions.

Officials noted a significant head wound, while parts of the vehicle showed heavy damage, though the front cabin appeared largely intact.

Government spokesperson Jerome Niyonzima confirmed the minister died early on April 16, describing it as an accident but providing no further details.

Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of death. Senior government and security officials visited the scene on Thursday.

Bugaga, a former journalist, had held several communications roles in government institutions before being appointed minister in 2025.

The circumstances surrounding his death remain under review.

SOURCE: AFP