On June 3, 2026, Burundi’s government recalled its ambassador to France and representative to the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), Spès-Caritas Njebarikanuye, “urgently” back to Bujumbura. The recall was announced by Foreign Minister Amb. Édouard Bizimana, who insisted the move was routine and unrelated to her recent meeting with OIF Secretary-General Louise Mushikiwabo.

Njebarikanuye had just presented her credentials to Mushikiwabo, with OIF noting that their discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in areas such as literacy and gender equality. Given strained Burundi–Rwanda relations over the past three years, many observers linked the recall to her encounter with Mushikiwabo, a Rwandan national.

Bizimana dismissed such speculation, saying: “When an employer calls an employee back, it is normal. People are exaggerating by connecting this to OIF. If there were issues with OIF or its leadership, we would not have sent her there in the first place.”

He emphasized that the recall letter contained nothing unusual, framing it as part of standard diplomatic procedures rather than a political signal.