Former Central Bank Governor Of Burundi Arrested On Money Laundering And Misappropriation Charges

(Dieudonné Murengerantwari, Central Bank Governor of Burundi)

In a significant development, the sacked central bank governor of Burundi, Dieudonné Murengerantwari, has been arrested on suspicion of money laundering and misappropriation of public assets. The country's justice ministry has stated that these charges are "provisional" pending the completion of investigations. At present, Mr. Murengerantwari has not responded to the allegations.

Just over a year after assuming the post, President Évariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi dismissed Mr. Murengerantwari on Sunday. The Burundian economy is currently facing a deep crisis, characterized by a shortage of foreign currency that has hindered the import of goods. Additionally, the country is grappling with fuel shortages and rising prices. Distressingly, around 65% of the country's 12 million population live in poverty, according to the World Bank.

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Burundi's justice ministry, in a statement, accused Mr. Murengerantwari of several offenses, including undermining the proper functioning of the national economy, passive corruption, money laundering, and misappropriation of public assets. While further details were not provided, Attorney General Leonard Manirakiza stated that the former governor would remain in custody during the ongoing investigations.

Before his dismissal in the second year of his five-year appointment, Mr. Murengerantwari previously served as the managing director of Burundi's state-linked development bank. Following his removal, Édouard Normand Bigendako, a member of the bank's board, has taken over the role of central bank governor.

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Interestingly, Mr. Murengerantwari is the second central bank chief in Africa this year to encounter legal issues. In June, Godwin Emefiele, the governor of Nigeria's central bank, was suspended and subsequently charged with the illegal possession of a shotgun and cartridges. Emefiele denied the charges brought against him.

SOURCE:

-BBC NEWS- "Burundi's sacked central bank chief arrested over money laundering accusations"