Colonel Étienne Citegetse, the former Burundi traffic police commander, was transferred to prison on Sunday, 25 October 2026. Authorities detained him as part of an investigation into alleged corruption involving the issuance of driver's licenses. The transfer of the former commander marks a significant development in the ongoing judicial inquiry managed by local authorities.
Regarding the transfer, a source close to the case stated, "On l’a sorti des cachots pour venir faire la remise et reprise avant de l’acheminer vers une prison dont la destination n’a pas encore été communiquée. Certains pensent qu’il a été envoyé dans une prison du nord du pays." Officials have not yet confirmed the specific location of his confinement following the legal proceedings in Bujumbura. The investigation continues to scrutinize administrative processes within the traffic police department to identify how these irregularities in licensing occurred.
Scope of Corruption Investigation
Security forces in Bujumbura arrested at least four PSR police officers on Friday, 23 October 2026. These detentions occurred alongside the broader inquiry into administrative irregularities within the traffic department. The arrests of the four PSR police officers are directly linked to the alleged corruption regarding the issuance of driver's licenses. Investigators continue to process evidence gathered during these initial operations to determine the extent of the alleged internal misconduct within the ranks of the traffic police. The scope of the inquiry remains focused on the procedures and oversight mechanisms that allowed for the reported issues to persist within the department.
Colonel Jean Marie Kabura has officially succeeded Étienne Citegetse as the head of the PSR. The appointment follows the removal of Étienne Citegetse from his command post earlier in the month. Colonel Jean Marie Kabura assumes leadership of the department as the current corruption probe remains active. His transition into the role is intended to stabilize the leadership of the traffic police while the legal proceedings against his predecessor and other officers move forward.
Lieutenant Jérôme Barabwiriza, the head of the Kinama police station, remains in detention on allegations of bribery. Legal officials state that these accusations involve the illegal collection of payments for the release of seized motorcycles. The investigation into these specific financial claims continues as authorities examine the procedures managed by the Kinama office. Lieutenant Jérôme Barabwiriza is currently being held while investigators compile evidence related to the bribery allegations and the handling of impounded vehicles. The legal process concerning Lieutenant Jérôme Barabwiriza is being conducted in parallel with the wider investigation into the PSR, as authorities work to address the allegations of systemic misconduct involving both driver's license issuance and the management of seized property.
