Burundian authorities accused of ‘extortion’ over forced dues
Across Burundi, citizens complain they are being extorted by authorities to pay “contributions” to finance monuments glorifying the ruling party or development projects. Members of the opposition, civil society and ordinary citizens contacted by AFP have denounced a system of forced dues in the country which has been mired in crisis for two years since President Pierre Nkurunziza ran for a disputed third term in office.
Many of the contributions go towards building offices for Nkurunziza’s ruling CNDD-FDD, or a string of new monuments inscribed with slogans glorifying the party such as: “We made sacrifices to lead this country, we won’t give it up.” In the northwestern province of Cibitoke, several residents told AFP they have been forced to pay up by ruling party officials-even if they are not members-or local authorities. The amount due varies according to profession, a farmer would have to pay about one euro ($1.06), a motorbike taxi driver about four euros, while those with small businesses are charged up to 80 euros, say residents.
“I am a doctor and in my case, they deducted 30,000 Burundi Francs (16 euros, $18) from my account as a contribution to the construction of party offices in the town of Rugumbo,” in the province, said a 34-year-old father of four, speaking on condition of anonymity. “It is a forced contribution because I did not plan to pay it and I am not a member of this party. It is extortion and I paid to avoid retaliation.” A businessman, a farmer, motorbike taxi driver and a local teacher also confirmed to AFP they had been obliged to make similar payments.
Youth militia verify payments
The payments take place in several different forms: farmers and local businesses pay directly in cash to party officials, while civil servants are presented with a list of their names and contribution amount which they feel obligated to sign. The payments can be one-off or regular and AFP has seen ruling party lists from several provinces listing professions and the amount to be paid. The Cibitoke list shows that the country’s second vice president Joseph Butore paid 1,800 euros towards regional development. Cibitoke residents said that members of the feared Imbonerakure youth wing of the ruling partywhich the UN refers to as a militiawere charged with ensuring payments are up to date. Many in the country often listed among the three poorest in the world, say they can barely make ends meet.
“It is shameful, we are forced to pay even though our country is in crisis and we barely earn enough to feed ourselves,” said the motorbike taxi driver, who is 22. Some contributions demanded by local authorities-completely controlled by the ruling party-are said to be for development projects such as building schools or helping communities affected by a food crisis. Cibitoke residents say the local governor has demanded that a list be displayed with the names of residents who have not yet paid their dues. And in several parts of the country, parents are unable to register their children at a school if they cannot provide a receipt showing they have contributed money. — AFP