The École Internationale de Gitega in Burundi’s political capital, Gitega, is scheduled to close permanently on July 4, 2026. This unexpected and broad decision, impacting 736 students, comes as the school year is still set to resume in September. The announcement of the school's impending closure has reportedly sparked widespread outrage and deep concern among the school's community, including its students, parents, and staff. The permanent cessation of operations at the Gitega International School, located in the heart of Burundi's political capital, has raised numerous questions and anxieties about the future of education for hundreds of families.
Official Justification for Closure
Minister François Havyarimana, the Minister of National Education and Scientific Research, justified the closure by citing the absence of a legal framework governing the École Internationale de Gitega's operation. Mr. Havyarimana, a prominent government official, stated that this regulatory gap was a primary and non-negotiable reason for the decision to shut down the institution. The minister further explained that the school occupies state-owned buildings without a formal lease agreement, exacerbating the perceived legal irregularities. This critical lack of a proper legal framework for its establishment and ongoing operation, coupled with the absence of a formal lease for the premises it occupies, were presented as the official grounds for the permanent closure scheduled for July 4, 2026. These justifications have, however, been met with skepticism and calls for further dialogue from the affected community.
Community Outcry and Concerns
Minister of National Education and Scientific Research, François Havyarimana, ordered the closure of the Gitega International School, a decision that directly affects 736 enrolled students. Teachers, parents, and school officials have collectively voiced profound concerns regarding potential job losses that could devastate livelihoods, the abrupt interruption of schooling for hundreds of children, and the legal uncertainties stemming from this sudden ministerial decision. The implications of such a closure extend beyond the immediate educational sphere, touching upon economic stability and community well-being.
An anonymous teacher, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the situation, expressed personal hardship and deep anxiety. They stated they had recently taken out a significant loan to construct their first house and were now gravely worried about honoring repayment obligations due to the impending closure and the potential loss of their employment. This individual testimony shows the tangible and immediate economic repercussions faced by the school's staff. The school community fears broader economic and educational repercussions that could ripple through the political capital.
One parent noted the long-standing impact this decision would have on families, noting with dismay that their seven children have attended the school since 2007, a testament to its consistent role in their family's educational journey. Two of their children are currently enrolled in 5th and 8th grade, facing an abrupt and unsettling disruption to their education at critical stages. This parent's account illustrates the deep roots the school has in the community and the continuity it has provided for over a decade and a half. The collective sentiment among the school's stakeholders points to significant distress and uncertainty over the future of their children's education and their own professional lives.
Path Forward and Legal Challenges
In the wake of the closure announcement, some Gitega residents believe that the alleged irregularities cited by Minister Havyarimana could have been resolved through constructive dialogue and negotiation, rather than necessitating such an immediate and drastic closure. There is a strong sentiment that alternative solutions should have been explored to avoid disrupting the education of 736 students and impacting the livelihoods of numerous staff members. In the political capital, some individuals suggest that underlying political considerations might underpin the decision, although no concrete proof has been publicly presented to substantiate these speculative claims.
In response to the ministerial decision, families affected by the closure have proactively started a petition addressed directly to Prime Minister Nestor Ntahontuye. Their urgent plea is for the Prime Minister to suspend the decision and initiate a meaningful dialogue with the school community to find a workable resolution. Deo Kavamahanga, the president of the parents' committee, has been a central figure in these efforts. He stated unequivocally that they had submitted all requested documents to the authorities, including the school's property title and its accreditation certificates, demonstrating their compliance and legitimacy. Despite these submissions, the closure order remains. Consequently, the parents' committee is currently considering legal action as a potential recourse to formally contest the ministerial decision regarding the school's closure, exploring all available avenues to safeguard the future of the École Internationale de Gitega and its community.
