The Burundian communications minister, Gabby Bugaga, died on Thursday “following an accident,” officials have confirmed.
The government said Bugaga passed away in the early hours of April 16, describing the death as “unexpected” and expressing condolences to his family, colleagues, and the nation.
According to several posts on social media, Bugaga was found dead at the wheel of a Toyota 4x4 parked in a palm oil plantation in Kivoga, northwest of Bujumbura, in Ntahangwa district. However, the exact circumstances remain unclear, with no further details provided by the authorities.
The Ministry of Communication and Media also confirmed on X it had received the news with “dismay.” Staff extended condolences to Bugaga’s family and to members of the media community.
Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye echoed the sentiment, highlighting the minister’s dedication and commitment to public service throughout his career.
“We are deeply saddened by the news of the sudden death of the Minister,” he wrote on X, adding “may God receive him and reward him for the courage, diligence and dedication that characterized him in all his duties to serve the country.”
Bugaga had served as communications minister since August 2025, after previously working as a member of the country’s National Independent Electoral Commission. He was a well-known journalist and worked for the National Radio and Television of Burundi (RTNB).
His death comes amid a number of high-profile fatalities involving African officials in recent months. In March, Kenyan MP Johana Ng’eno was among six people killed when a helicopter crashed and caught fire in Mosop, Nandi County.
Earlier this month, James Unomasa Uerikua, the governor of Namibia’s Otjozondjupa Region, died in a car accident. His son also lost his life in the same crash.