Burundi
Burundi introduced changes to its criminal code in 2009 to address terrorism. The maximum sentence is life imprisonment. There is, however, no carve-out for the exercise of fundamental human rights.
The Definition of Terrorism in Domestic Law
Burundi's Criminal Code defines terrorism as predicate offences against persons or property where they are conducted intentionally alone or in concert with others with the aim of seriously disturbing public order through intimidation or terror.Art. 614, Criminal Code of Burundi.Also deemed acts of terror is the introduction into the natural environment any substance that may endanger human health or that of animals, with the same intent.Art. 615, Criminal Code of Burundi.
There is no carve-out for the exercise of fundamental human rights.
Adherence to Global and Regional Terrorism Treaties
Burundi has adhered to only a small number of the United Nations treaties on terrorism.
| Treaty | Adherence |
|---|---|
| 1973 Convention on Crimes against Internationally Protected Persons | State Party |
| 1979 Hostage-Taking Convention | State not party |
| 1997 Terrorist Bombings Convention | Signatory |
| 1999 Terrorist Financing Convention | Signatory |
| 2005 Nuclear Terrorism Convention | State Party |
In adhering to the 1973 Convention, Burundi issued a formal declaration that it would consider as internationally protected persons "cases where the alleged offenders belong to a national liberation movement recognized by Burundi or by an international organization of which Burundi is a member, and their actions are part of their struggle for liberation".
Burundi has also adhered to the two African Union treaties on terrorism.
| Treaty | Adherence |
|---|---|
| 1999 Algiers Convention | State Party |
| 2004 Protocol to the Algiers Convention | State Party |
Laws and Penalties for Terrorist Offences
The maximum penalty for terrorist offences in national law is life imprisonment where death results. In other cases, the penalty is a term of imprisonment of between ten and twenty years.Art. 618, Criminal Code of Burundi.
The Constitution allows foreigners to be extradited for terrorist offences.
Counterterrorism Capacities and Policies at Domestic Level
Decree No. 100/186 of 12 December 2019 established an operations centre to counter all acts of terrorism.
The Code of Criminal Procedure of Burundi lays down special criminal investigation methods for offences such as terrorism.Art. 49, Code of Criminal Procedure of Burundi.
Glossary
Twitter