Burundi has warned Kenya against what it described as xenophobic rhetoric and demanded protection for Burundian nationals following a government directive targeting foreign-owned small businesses.
Burundi’s Foreign Minister, Edouard Bizimana, called on Kenyan authorities to take immediate measures to protect Burundian citizens living and working in the country.
Bizimana argued that Kenyans living in Burundi have been treated peacefully and warned that failure to protect Burundian nationals could strain diplomatic relations and affect Kenyans residing in Burundi.
The diplomatic tensions emerged after President William Ruto directed a crackdown on undocumented foreign workers and said certain small-scale businesses should be reserved for Kenyan citizens.
The directive triggered concern among foreign nationals, including Burundians operating small businesses in Kenya, with some reportedly seeking assistance from their embassy amid fears over their status.
In response, Gitega Ndikuriyo, Secretary General of Burundi’s ruling party, visited the Burundian Embassy in Nairobi to oversee emergency operations. Volunteer staff were reportedly increased to help process emergency travel documents for citizens who wished to return home.
The Kenyan government later announced a 90-day grace period to allow regional nationals to regularise their permits and documentation.
Despite the reprieve, some foreign-owned small business operators reportedly flocked to the Burundian Embassy to seek emergency travel documents, citing concerns over the situation.
Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei subsequently visited Burundian nationals at their embassy in Nairobi and apologised for what he described as a misunderstanding surrounding the government’s directive.
Sing’oei said the government was seeking to establish the identities, locations and activities of foreign nationals in Kenya as part of efforts to enhance their security. He also assured those legally living and working in the country that they would be protected.
Kenya and Burundi have since opened talks aimed at resolving the tension surrounding the status of Burundian nationals and their business activities in Kenya.
The dispute comes as the two countries continue to cooperate under the East African Community and maintain extensive economic and regional ties.
As the talks continue, the handling of foreign traders and workers could determine whether the matter remains an administrative dispute over permits and business licences or develops into a wider regional diplomatic concern.
