Burundi Raises Alarm Over RED Tabara Member Who Left Canada to Join Armed Group

Bujumbura, August 3, 2026 - Burundi has raised concerns after RED Tabara presented a Burundian woman who reportedly left her job in Canada to join the armed group, describing her decision as part of the fight for the “liberation” of Burundi.

On August 2, RED Tabara shared images and videos of two of its fighters on social media, including the woman, who said she had decided to leave her employment in Canada and travel to join the group in the forest. She said she was prepared to give up her job because she believed in the cause and wanted to contribute to the struggle in Burundi.

Foreign Affairs Minister Édouard Bizimana reacted by accusing unnamed countries of supporting instability in Burundi and the wider region. He said the government was closely monitoring diplomats who might be involved in what he described as activities contributing to the crisis, warning that measures could be taken against those found responsible.

Bizimana said the message had been communicated to the Canadian Prime Minister’s Office and the foreign ministries of France and Belgium. RED Tabara emerged in the aftermath of Burundi’s 2015 political crisis, when then-President Pierre Nkurunziza sought a controversial third term, and has continued to call for political change in the country.