The statement, signed by General Prosecutor Sylvestre Nyandwi and shared by the justice ministry, did not specify the charges against Bunyoni or where he was being held.

Bunyoni served as Prime Minister from June 2020 to September 2022, when he was sacked by the president, who accused unnamed individuals of plotting a coup against him.

Bunyoni was considered the number two in the country’s ruling party and was a close ally of former President Pierre Nkurunziza, who died in office in 2020.

The confirmation of Bunyoni’s arrest has triggered mixed reactions, with some Burundians expressing hope that justice will finally be served, while others worry that the move could trigger further unrest in the country.

Related story: Former Burundian Prime Minister, Gen Bunyoni reportedly arrested

Bunyoni, who previously served as the country’s police chief and security minister, was removed from office last September in the first significant government reshuffle since President Evariste Ndayishimiye took office in 2020.