From now on, a two-year renewable career extension is granted upon request of the officer concerned. This is one of the innovations contained in the draft law on statutes governing officers of Burundi National Police which was analyzed and adopted unanimously by MPs present at the plenary session of Monday, December 13, 2021.

From the outset, it should be noted that the title itself was subject to amendments, given that the bill under analysis "is largely inspired by the law n˚1/18 of December 31, 2010, on statutes regulating officers of Burundi National Police by bringing some innovations that can enable the officer to work in a socio-economic, security and political environment of the moment," said the Minister of Home Affairs, Development and Public Security. Minister Gervais Ndirakobuca listed a series of other innovations.

For example, this bill "makes the Burundi National Police officer more involved in the fight against crime by giving him the status of criminal investigation officer with general, restricted or limited jurisdiction depending on the case".

For those who doubt this attribution in a sensitive domain such as human rights, the Government envoy reassured the audience. The officers, even those from the former armed movements and parties, are sufficiently equipped in terms of criminal justice, thanks to the training modules they have received.

Another innovation that has created controversy relates to the exemption. Indeed, ’the officer who retires is entitled to import a single private passenger vehicle exempt from duties and taxes’.
On one hand, this advantage can bring forth frustrations among categories of subordinates. Yet, it should be understood that this advantage is linked to the statutes of officer, who also benefits from housing and the non-payment of water and electricity bills. On the other hand, exemptions of various kinds put at stake the national economy. This measure was taken in consultation with the Minister in charge of finance. In addition, the number of retiring officers is not significant," said Minister Gervais Ndirakobuca.

Moreover, Article 49 reads: "The appointment grades of the National Police officers are listed in the following ascending order:

1. Second Lieutenant of Police: S/LtPol; 2. Lieutenant of Police: Lt Pol; 3. Captain of Police: Capt Pol; 4. Police Major: Maj Pol; 5. Lieutenant-Colonel of Police: Lt-Col Pol; 6. Police Colonel: Col Pol; 7. Police Brigadier General: Gen Bde Pol; 8. Major General of Police: Gen Maj Pol; 9. Lieutenant General of Police: Lt Gen Pol; 10. General of Police: Gen Pol.

It was clear that the plenary were still in need of more information on the matter as everything cannot be compiled in a law, the reason why there are application texts.