Burundi’s Presidential Spokesperson, Rosine Gatoni Guilene, is facing backlash for referring to Rwandans as “iminyorogoto” (earthworms) in a social media post.
Her comment came in response to reactions from Rwandans following President Évariste Ndayishimiye’s recent remarks about a potential conflict between Rwanda and Burundi.
On February 16, 2025, President Ndayishimiye stated that discussions with Rwanda’s allied nations had halted an alleged plan to attack Burundi. However, he urged Burundians to stay vigilant.
“After talks with Rwanda’s allies, those expecting to gain from Rwanda’s attack on Burundi should abandon that hope. But patriotic Burundians, stay alert—no one knows when a thief might strike,” he said.
Rwandans on social media were quick to respond, insisting they harbor no hostility toward Burundi and accusing Ndayishimiye of consistently displaying animosity toward Rwanda.
Burundians also reminded their president that, in January 2024, during a visit to Kinshasa, he openly spoke about wanting to overthrow the Rwandan government. Many users claimed Ndayishimiye had blocked them or hidden their comments, indicating his unwillingness to face criticism.
Reacting to these responses, Gatoni lashed out at Rwandans, likening them to earthworms and suggesting they were flooding social media with insults.
“Our neighbors are swarming social media like earthworms, throwing insults. But their upbringing is evident—they have nowhere else to go,” she wrote.
Her statement sparked widespread condemnation. Journalist King Umurundi challenged Gatoni, questioning how she would feel if her own child were insulted in such a manner.
“Madam Gatoni, being the President’s spokesperson does not give you the right to disregard our Burundian culture and compare people to earthworms. Have you ever given birth to know the pain of having your child called a parasite?” he asked.
Burundian activist Pacifique Nininahazwe also criticized Gatoni, recalling that President Ndayishimiye once claimed to raise “iminyorogoto” (earthworms), suggesting confusion within the country’s leadership.
“The President says he breeds earthworms, and now his spokesperson calls our neighbors the same. This presidency has a serious problem. Who advises who?” he remarked.
Opposition figure Hon. Wilson Lixon highlighted the double standards in Burundi’s politics.
“When I criticize the government, Imbonerakure (the ruling party’s youth militia) accuse me of insulting state institutions. Yet, the presidential spokesperson openly calls people earthworms. I have never compared leaders to animals, but look at this,” he noted.
Others, like Peter Mahirwe, argued that Gatoni’s remarks reflect the broader issue of poor communication from the presidency.
“Earthworms? This is the quality of discourse from Burundi’s presidential office! Now I understand why Ndayishimiye’s speeches often lack substance,” he commented.
Tensions between Rwanda and Burundi have been rising since December 2023. In January 2024, Burundi closed its land borders with Rwanda, citing security concerns. Since then, relations between the two nations have remained strained.
