Burundi/Rwanda: Update to BDI13131.E of 9 February 1993 on the naturalization of Rwandan refugees in Burundi, especially whether they are eligible for Burundian citizenship (1973-June 2002)
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 26 June 2002 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | ZZZ39493.E |
| Reference | 4 |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Burundi/Rwanda: Update to BDI13131.E of 9 February 1993 on the naturalization of Rwandan refugees in Burundi, especially whether they are eligible for Burundian citizenship (1973-June 2002), 26 June 2002, ZZZ39493.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3df4bedb10.html [accessed 17 September 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
During a 24 June 2002 telephone interview, a lawyer of Burundian origin who is acting director of the International Human Rights Law Group (IHRLG), Burundi branch, provided the following information. The interview was conducted in French.
The actual "Code de la nationalité burundaise (No. 1/13)" came in force on 18 July 2000 in replacement of law No. 1/93 of 10 December 1971. However, in the chapter on the acquisition of Burundian citizenship by naturalization, the new code did not contain any amendments. According to the Code, being a refugee under the Geneva Convention is not a criterion of eligibility for Burundian citizenship.
Subject to some conditions, the acquisition of Burundian citizenship remains a voluntary and individual initiative. The conditions include being at least 21 years old with no criminal record, having lived in the country for at least 10 years and being attached to the Burundian nation and its values. If all those conditions are met and all procedures followed, the acquisition by naturalization of Burundian citizenship is sanctioned by a presidential decree.
However, the Burundian lawyer explained that in 1973, Michel Micombero, the Burundian president at that time, provided Burundian citizenship to some intellectuals and businessmen from Rwanda who did not meet the conditions for naturalization. The experience has not been repeated.
Corroborating information could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate.
This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.
Reference
International Human Rights Law Group (IHRLG), Burundi branch, Bujumbura. 24 June 2002. Telephone interview with a Burundian lawyer and acting director.
Additional Sources Consulted
No response to a 11 June 2002 letter requesting information from the UNHCR's branch officer in Canada has been received.
Africa Confidential 1991- May 2002.
Amnesty International. 2002. Annual Report. Electronic Version.
Embassy of Burundi.
IRB Databases.
Resource Centre country file. Burundi.
Internet sites, including:
Africatime.
Allafrica.
Human Rights Watch (HRW).
International Crisis Group (ICG).
Lawyers For Human Rights.
National Consortium on Refugee Affairs (NCRA).
UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (IRIN).
UNHCR.
USCR.