Colonel de Police Polisi Étienne Citegetse, the former head of Burundi's road safety police, has been arrested and detained. According to reports from SOS Médias Burundi, Citegetse was initially held at a national intelligence facility before being transferred to an undisclosed prison on October 25, 2026. The exact location of his detention remains unknown. Citegetse is among four police officers arrested on Friday in Bujumbura, accused of involvement in corruption related to vehicle registration.
The four police officers, including Citegetse, were reportedly questioned by the national intelligence service after being held for a week. Sources close to the intelligence agency revealed that before his transfer to prison, Citegetse had handed over leadership of the road safety police to Colonel Jean Marie Kabura. Kabura was also questioned by the intelligence service, although the reasons for his interrogation and subsequent actions remain unclear.
The arrests and detentions have sparked concerns about corruption within Burundi's law enforcement agencies. In early 2026, the road safety police announced the resumption of biometric vehicle registration services, which had been suspended for over two years. However, it is unclear whether the arrests are directly linked to the resumption of these services.
The Burundian authorities have not made an official statement regarding the arrests and detentions. The lack of transparency has fueled speculation about the motives behind the arrests and the fate of the detained police officers. The incident has raised questions about the accountability and integrity of Burundi's law enforcement agencies.
Citegetse's arrest has significant implications for the road safety police, particularly given his former leadership role. The circumstances surrounding his detention and the allegations against him remain unclear. The incident has sparked concerns about the potential for corruption and abuse of power within Burundi's law enforcement agencies.
The detained police officers, including Citegetse, are reportedly being held in an undisclosed location. Their detention has raised concerns about the treatment and welfare of the officers. The Burundian authorities' lack of transparency has fueled speculation about the motives behind the arrests and the fate of the detained police officers.
The incident highlights the need for greater accountability and transparency within Burundi's law enforcement agencies. The arrests and detentions have significant implications for the country's efforts to combat corruption and ensure the rule of law. The situation remains unclear, with many questions still unanswered about the circumstances surrounding the arrests and detentions.
Key points
- Colonel de Police Polisi Étienne Citegetse, former head of Burundi's road safety police, has been arrested and detained on allegations of corruption linked to vehicle registration.
