Rumonge Administrator Augustin Minani ordered transhumant cattle to leave the locality following a meeting held on Tuesday, August 11, 2026. This directive aims to address ongoing conflicts between herders and farmers in the region. During the meeting, Administrator Minani explicitly decided that all transhumant cattle must depart from the area. Innocent Nijimbere, the head of Kigwena zone, stated that numerous transhumant cattle are present in his zone. Their presence has reportedly led to significant crop destruction, fueling disputes between the two groups and exacerbating tensions within the community. The administrator's decision seeks to mitigate these tensions and protect agricultural livelihoods in Rumonge, which are key for the local economy.
Prohibition and Secret Infiltration
Transhumance has been prohibited in Burundi since 2018. The law of November 4, 2018, specifically stipulates that cattle must be kept in permanent stables, and the wandering of livestock is prohibited across the country. This full ban was enacted to prevent the very conflicts now observed in Rumonge. Despite this ban, transhumant cattle primarily from the communes of Bururi, Vyanda, and Nyanza have been observed entering Rumonge. These cattle arrive secretly at night in areas of Rumonge commune, including Kigwena, Gatete, Buruhukiro, Rusabagi, and Mudende. This infiltration reportedly occurs with the complicity of some local herders, enabling the animals to bypass official restrictions and enter the region undetected, often under the cover of darkness. The clandestine nature of these movements makes enforcement particularly challenging for local authorities.
Farmer-Herder Conflicts Erupt
Hundreds of transhumant cattle have been present on some hills of Rumonge commune since July, leading to widespread concern among the farming community. Administrator Augustin Minani stated in a public notice that each transhumant cow must pay a fine and tax as stipulated by law, reinforcing the legal consequences of violating the transhumance ban. This measure is intended to deter illegal grazing and generate revenue for damages. Herders, for their part, maintain that if their cattle cause damage to crops, the concerned herder is obligated to pay for the damages without delay. However, farmers frequently report difficulties in receiving timely compensation for destroyed crops, leading to persistent grievances and a cycle of conflict. The presence of such large numbers of cattle in agricultural areas has significantly impacted crop yields and farmer incomes.
Enforcement and Herder Claims
Administrator Augustin Minani instructed the police and local administrative authorities to collaboratively expel all transhumant cattle from Friday, August 14, in the morning. This directive aims to enforce the existing ban on transhumance with immediate effect and restore order to the affected areas. Farmers in the area allege that certain local administrative authorities accept bribes, which allows the prohibited movement of livestock to continue unchecked. These allegations undermine trust in local governance and complicate efforts to enforce the national ban. Herders, for their part, claim their presence in Rumonge is solely to find fresh pastures for their cattle, indicating a search for grazing land in a region where such resources may be scarce. This ongoing situation notes the challenges in enforcing regulations amid competing interests and the difficulties of balancing agricultural protection with the needs of livestock keepers. The administrator's firm stance shows the seriousness of the situation and the commitment to resolving these long-standing disputes.