AU Diplomat Fired After Questioning Kenya’s Treatment of Burundian Traders

A senior Burundian diplomat has been dismissed from the African Union Commission after publicly criticising Kenya’s treatment of Burundian traders caught in a crackdown on undocumented foreign nationals.

Ambassador Fred Gateretse Ngoga, who had worked at the AU Commission for 17 years, questioned on social media why Burundian nationals appeared to be singled out in Kenya’s enforcement operation while other foreign traders faced similar circumstances. His comments came as concern grew among Burundian communities in Nairobi.

Hundreds of people sought shelter at the Burundian embassy, fearing that they could lose their businesses and face deportation. Ngoga initially announced that he was resigning following his comments. The AU Commission later rejected that account, saying he had instead been summarily dismissed for gross misconduct.

His departure, which came a day after his public criticism, raised questions over whether disciplinary action had forced him to leave. Ngoga has since deleted his resignation post and has not publicly explained the change.

The dispute came as Kenya stepped up enforcement against small businesses operated by foreign nationals without the required documentation. President William Ruto’s administration has said foreign traders must regularise their immigration status, obtain the necessary work permits and secure valid business licences.

Following the backlash, Kenyan authorities introduced a 90-day grace period for undocumented East African nationals to meet the requirements before penalties resume. Ngoga welcomed the concession despite his earlier criticism of the enforcement measures.

The crackdown also created difficulties for Burundian nationals in Nairobi. The Burundian embassy grounds became a temporary shelter for families seeking assistance. Organisations including St John Ambulance and the Kenya Red Cross provided food and other supplies.

The Kenyan government later apologised to Burundians who had experienced hardship. It said there was no blanket ban on foreign traders and stressed that embassies remained the appropriate channels for people seeking to regularise their status.