Fear reigns in Burundi

OPPONENTS OF CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM LIVING IN FEAR Unidentified bodies found in various parts of the country after their arrests by ‘police’ and intelligence agents.

United Nations (UN) investigators have accused Burundian authorities of torturing and executing opponents of constitutional reform amid an environment of threats and intimidation. On Wednesday the Human Rights Council, the commission of inquiry on Burundi, delivered its findings based on more than 380 interviews, in addition to 500 testimonies collected last year.

The dossier compiled by the three-member panel encompasses events surrounding the national referendum last month on constitutional reform which could extend President Pierre Nkurunziza’s term in office well beyond 2020.

Noting a presidential declaration made in support of his successor after the referendum, the report reiterates the view of some observers that Nkurunziza’s comments were “by no means a clear and firm commitment not to run” in future elections himself.

It also noted difficulties faced by international media outlets in covering events in the country amid the suspension of broadcasters including the BBC and Voice of America, following reports that were deemed “biased” by Burundian authorities.

The report highlighted numerous arrests of people who called for a no-vote in the referendum, including members of opposition parties who were then allegedly executed or abducted.

It said unidentified bodies continued to be found in various parts of the country after their arrest by individuals in police uniform or National Intelligence Service agents.

Victims were also targeted by the Imbonerakure – the youth wing aligned to the ruling CNDD-FDD party – whose influence is said to have risen in the repressive machinery which has developed since 2015. – ANA