The East African Community has handed over two border patrol vehicles to the Burundi Border Police in an effort to strengthen border security, improve mobility and enhance the fight against cross-border crime and illicit activities.
The vehicles were handed over by the EAC Secretary General, H.E. Amb. Stephen Mbundi, at a ceremony held in Bujumbura on Wednesday, 12 August, 2026. The support is being provided under the EAC–United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) project, Creating a Secure Trading and Customs Environment in the EAC through Enhancing Border Security, with funding from the Government of Japan.
The two vehicles form part of a regional deployment of 16 patrol vehicles, with each of the eight EAC Partner States receiving two vehicles for use at key and porous border points. Burundi is among the first Partner State to receive the vehicles.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, EAC Secretary General Amb. Stephen Mbundi said the initiative was a regional milestone that demonstrated the Community’s commitment to collective security and regional integration.
“This is more than the handover of vehicles; it is a demonstration of what we can achieve when we act together as a Community. With sixteen patrol vehicles being deployed across all Partner States, we are strengthening our shared commitment to secure borders, safer communities and a more integrated region,” said Amb. Mbundi.
He noted that the intervention was informed by technical assessments of EAC One-Stop Border Posts, which identified mobility gaps as a key challenge affecting border security and trade facilitation.
The EAC Secretary General emphasised the close link between security and regional trade, noting that secure and efficient borders are essential to unlocking the benefits of the EAC’s regional market.
“These vehicles will strengthen the presence of our border police, enable faster responses and reinforce our collective fight against smuggling, trafficking and other forms of cross-border crime. By securing our borders, we are not only protecting our people and communities; we are creating the confidence and stability needed for trade, investment and prosperity to flourish across East Africa,” said Amb. Mbundi.
Representing the Government of Burundi, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and Development Cooperation, H.E. Amb. Édouard Bizimana, welcomed the support and underscored the importance of strengthening coordinated responses to security challenges along the region’s borders.
He noted that borders face multifaceted challenges, including organised and transnational crime, while cross-border agencies often face logistical constraints in carrying out their duties.
“This logistical support is of strategic importance to Burundi and the region. It will strengthen the mobility of our border security teams, enhance border control and operational efficiency, and reinforce regional cooperation. Ultimately, stronger border security creates a safer and more conducive environment for the movement of people and goods and for the growth of cross-border trade,” said Amb. Bizimana.
The Minister expressed appreciation to the EAC Secretariat, UNOPS and the Government of Japan for supporting the initiative, noting that the vehicles would enhance the operational capacity of agencies responsible for cross-border security and trade facilitation.
The support follows assessments conducted by the EAC Peace and Security Department at various One-Stop Border Posts across the region, which identified transport and mobility as key areas requiring intervention.
The EAC and its partners reaffirm their commitment to deepening regional cooperation and strengthening cross-border security, recognising that secure and efficient borders are essential to the free and safe movement of people and goods. The initiative underscores the EAC’s shared vision of a peaceful, secure and integrated region where stronger border security creates the foundation for expanded trade, greater connectivity and shared prosperity across East Africa.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of East African Community (EAC).
