Critics in Burundi bullied

KIGALI: THREATS by President Pierre Nkurunziza and intimidation by supporters of the ruling party have cast doubt on a credible constitutional referendum in Burundi.

Ahead of the exercise set for May, rights groups alleged authorities have embarked on a massive operation of forced registration, including minors, as well as violent action against any opponent.

In his campaigning speech recently, Nkurunziza of the Defence of Democracy-Forces for the Defence of Democracy (CNDD-FDD) party declared those who opposed the draft revision of the constitution would “suffer the consequences”.

A spokesperson of the Ministry of Public Security has also welcomed the arrest of people suspected of encouraging the “No” vote.

The International Federation for Human Rights and Ligue Iteka, Burundi’s human rights group, denounced the conditions of organisation of the referendum.

They urged the UN to take note of the violations in its Security Council meeting on Burundi, which was held yesterday.

The draft referendum attempts to close a constitutional crisis opened three years ago when Nkurunziza, in power since 2005, announced he would run for a new term, which is in violation of the constitution. It precipitated Burundi into violence and repression that has already claimed several thousand lives.

The referendum is seen as an attempt to ensure the president an opportunity to run for two new terms of seven years.

Last year, Ligue Iteka has documented 456 murders, 283 victims of torture, 89 enforced disappearances and 77 victims of sexual violence against women.

Some 2 338 people were reportedly arrested and often detained without due process. – CAJ News