Burundi - IOM Burundi this month recognized the contributions of a fallen comrade. On Friday (14/10) the mission held a commemorative ceremony in memory of departed Evariste Mbonihankuye, at mission offices in Burundi’s capital, Bujumbura.

Evariste Mbonihankuye was killed by gunfire last year on 13 October alongside his uncle, aunt and two cousins. 

Just 32 years old at the time of his death, Mr. Mbonihankuye was wearing his IOM/UN badge.

Speaking at the commemoration which was attended by IOM partners, IOM Burundi Chief of Mission Kristina Mejo, remembered Evariste as a friendly colleague full of energy, respectful and always ready to lend a hand.  “His brutal death was a shock to the IOM family and the humanitarian community in general,” she said.

UN Resident Coordinator Paolo Lembo, also present at the ceremony, noted: “This should encourage us all to promote dialogue to obtain peace and prosperity for all Burundians.”

Evariste Mbonihankuye was a dedicated colleague who had worked for IOM Burundi since March 2015 in the Operations division as a field movement coordinator covering two refugee camps. He held a psychology degree from the University of Burundi.

For further information, please contact Kristina Mejo at IOM Burundi, Tel: +257.75400220, Email: kmejo@iom.int