Bujumbura, Burundi – The Fédération nationale des syndicats du secteur de l’éducation du Burundi (FENASEB) issued an alert on June 13, 2026, regarding a range of concerning practices observed in certain school establishments across the country. These irregularities include allegations of exam fraud, various cases of abuse, and other administrative discrepancies. FENASEB noted the widespread nature of these issues, which it deems worrying for the education sector. The union's statement shows a growing concern about the integrity of the educational system as the 2025-2026 school year approaches its conclusion.
Grave Irregularities Reported
According to the Fédération nationale des syndicats du secteur de l’éducation du Burundi (FENASEB), multiple instances of abuses were noted during the first two quarters of the academic year in various school establishments across the country. These incidents reportedly include cases of exam fraud, which FENASEB attributes to certain educators who allegedly facilitated these irregularities for the benefit of students in several institutions. The union’s detailed report points to a systemic issue where such practices are becoming increasingly prevalent. Among the reported incidents are exam frauds attributed to certain educators, who are alleged to have directly benefited students in several establishments by compromising the examination process.
FENASEB also noted other reported irregularities, such as the arbitrary assignment of grades and the falsification of school results on student report cards. These behaviors, according to the union, are becoming increasingly prevalent in some schools, raising significant questions about academic fairness and transparency. The organization further expressed concern over what it described as insufficient reaction or tolerance from various administrative levels regarding these issues, suggesting a lack of accountability that allows these problems to persist and spread. FENASEB states that these cases represent only a part of a larger phenomenon, indicating that the reported incidents may be just the tip of the iceberg. The organization claims these behaviors are spreading in certain schools and deplores insufficient reaction or tolerance at various administrative levels, which further exacerbates the situation.
Calls for Urgent Action
The Fédération nationale des syndicats du secteur de l’éducation du Burundi (FENASEB) has urged educational authorities to reinforce discipline, penalize documented abuses, and restore the education system's credibility as the 2025-2026 school year concludes. The union calls on these authorities to strengthen discipline, sanction reported abuses, and restore the credibility of the education system as the 2025-2026 school year approaches its end. Antoine Manuma, FENASEB's legal representative, stated in a recent publication that swift measures are essential to foster an environment of trust and credibility within the education sector. Manuma emphasized, "des mesures urgentes doivent être prises afin de garantir un climat de confiance et de crédibilité dans le secteur éducatif." In a recently published statement, Antoine Manuma, the legal representative of FENASEB, showed his belief that urgent measures must be taken to ensure a climate of trust and credibility in the education sector, noting the critical need for immediate intervention.
FENASEB also called upon teachers to actively resist irregularities, advocating for stringent disciplinary actions to prevent these practices from becoming normalized. The union urges teachers not to remain passive and calls for strict disciplinary measures to prevent these practices from becoming entrenched within the educational framework. The union believes that "ces comportements portent atteinte à l’image de l’enseignant, compromettent la qualité de l’enseignement et fragilisent la crédibilité du système éducatif burundais," as stated by Manuma. The organization asserted that school officials implicated in failing to sanction or cover up these abuses should be held responsible for their management. It also believes that school officials accused of not sanctioning or covering up these abuses should be held accountable for their management, ensuring that negligence or complicity does not go unpunished.
Impact on Education Credibility
The Fédération nationale des syndicats du secteur de l’éducation du Burundi (FENASEB) reports that the irregularities observed during the 2025-2026 school year extend beyond academic misconduct. The union also documents cases of sexual abuse in some schools, alleging involvement by members of the teaching staff. The union also reports cases of sexual abuse in some schools, allegedly involving members of the teaching staff, adding a deeply disturbing dimension to the ongoing issues. FENASEB indicates that these specific incidents represent only a portion of a broader pattern of misconduct within the educational system, suggesting a much larger and more complex problem at hand. The union's concerns show a potential erosion of trust in the integrity of Burundi's education sector as these issues reportedly become more prevalent across institutions. This broad spectrum of misconduct, from academic fraud to serious allegations of abuse, poses a significant threat to the foundational principles of education and the well-being of students. The organization's alert serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for full reforms and strong oversight to safeguard the future of education in Burundi.
