Rwanda demands explanation from Burundi over former diplomat's death

Rwanda has asked the Burundian government to explain the circumstances that led to the death of Rwanda's former ambassador to Belgium and France, Jacques Bihozagara.

Bihozagara, died mysteriously on Wednesday afternoon in Mpimba Prison in the neighbouring Burundi almost four months after being arrested for allegedly spying for Kigali.

Circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear, as the Burundian government is yet to respond to Rwanda's request.

Rwanda said it was shocked by the demise of its former envoy in a statement released by the Rwanda ministry of foreign and affairs and cooperation on Thursday.

"Jacques Bihozagara is one of many Rwandans in Burundi who died violently or suspiciously in the past months. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Rwanda wishes to obtain precise information from the Burundian authorities on the circumstances of his death and clarifications on the reasons for his detention since last December," said Eugene Ngoga, director of Africa affairs at the Rwanda ministry of foreign and affairs in a statement.

Rwanda calls on the Burundian authorities to facilitate efforts by the family of the deceased to repatriate his body to Rwanda.

Reports say the late Bihozagara was arrested last year in December and imprisoned at Mpimba Prison over allegations of espionage when he was on a private business trip to Burundi.

The deceased served in cabinet in the post-genocide government of Rwanda before being appointed ambassador to Belgium.

He had been engaged in private business in Burundi, a country in which he had lived before the 1994 Genocide in Rwanda.

Burundi has repeatedly accused Rwanda of backing rebels intent on overthrowing the government in Bujumbura. Rwanda has strongly denied the accusations. Endit