Burundian Prime Minister Nestor Ntahontuye recently met with Emmanuella Muscara, Head of Mission for the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Burundi, to discuss the country's progress in combating human trafficking. Discussions centered on measures for victim protection, prosecution of criminals, and prevention efforts. Muscara stated, "Burundi has made enormous progress in past years. The prosecution of criminals has increased since 2018." She also affirmed the IOM and the wider United Nations system's commitment to supporting the government's coordination and planning of interventions, aligning with the National Vision 2040-2060 and national development plans.
Combating Trafficking Efforts
The meeting between Prime Minister Nestor Ntahontuye and Emmanuella Muscara took place on Friday, May 15, 2026. Discussions were held at the Ntare Rushatsi presidential palace. The talks focused on measures for victim protection, the prosecution of criminals, and prevention efforts in the fight against human trafficking. Emmanuella Muscara, Head of Mission for the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Burundi, stated that "Burundi has made enormous progress in past years. The prosecution of criminals has increased since 2018." She also affirmed the commitment of the IOM and the wider United Nations system to support the government's coordination and planning of interventions. These efforts align with the National Vision 2040-2060 and national development plans.
Broader Migration Issues
The meeting between Prime Minister Nestor Ntahontuye and Emmanuella Muscara also addressed broader migration issues, including the return and reintegration of Burundians from Tanzania and other countries. Discussions extended to population displacement driven by climate change and natural disasters. Participants reviewed existing strategies for early warning systems, emergency response mechanisms, and the reintegration of affected populations. The IOM's commitment to supporting Burundi in these areas was reiterated, aligning with national development goals and the country's long-term vision.
Official Reactions and Support
Moïse Nkurunziza, spokesperson for the Prime Minister, conveyed Prime Minister Nestor Ntahontuye's appreciation for the International Organization for Migration's (IOM) work in Burundi. Nkurunziza stated that the Prime Minister acknowledged the IOM's efforts and commitment in supporting the country's initiatives. The Prime Minister's office showed the importance of continued collaboration with international partners in addressing various national challenges. This official reaction follows recent discussions between Prime Minister Ntahontuye and Emmanuella Muscara, Head of Mission for IOM in Burundi, which focused on progress against human trafficking and broader migration issues. The Burundian government reiterated its commitment to working with organizations like the IOM to achieve national development goals.
IOM's Continued Partnership
Emmanuella Muscara, Head of Mission for the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Burundi, reported that the prosecution of criminals involved in human trafficking has increased since 2018. Muscara stated, "Le Burundi a fait des avancées énormes dans les années passées. La poursuite des criminels a augmenté depuis 2018." She also affirmed the IOM's commitment, alongside the broader United Nations system, to supporting the Burundian government. "Nous avons réitéré l'appui que l'OIM et l'ensemble du système des Nations unies peuvent apporter au gouvernement dans le cadre de la coordination et de la planification des interventions de tous les acteurs," Muscara said, emphasizing alignment with the National Vision 2040-2060 and national development plans.
