Burundi’s ongoing repression against dissent since April 2015 persists four years later, significantly impacting opposition activities, media freedom, and civil society. Recent events, including the arrest of schoolchildren and the targeting of opposition leaders, illustrate a regime unwilling to cultivate an inclusive environment ahead of the 2020 elections. The Abacu Campaign aims to remember victims of this brutal crackdown and advocate for justice.
Burundi has faced an ongoing crackdown on dissent since President Pierre Nkurunziza’s controversial presidential candidacy announcement in April 2015. This decision sparked widespread protests across all ethnicities, as it violated the constitution and the Arusha Accords, which had concluded a decade-long civil war. Four years later, this political crisis continues to inflict suffering on the nation, with fears escalating as the next elections approach.
Recent headlines highlighted the arrest of schoolgirls accused of doodling on President Nkurunziza’s pictures in textbooks, demonstrating the regime’s intolerance of dissent. Although global advocacy led to their release, charges against them remain. Previous detentions of children in similar instances underscore the government’s attempt to instill fear and suppress free expression among the youth, marking a troubling trend in Burundian politics.
The suppression of opposition parties has intensified, especially since the assassination of opposition leader Zedi Feruzi in 2015, which prompted many activists to flee the country. Remaining opposition figures, like Agathon Rwasa, have faced significant challenges in organizing. Recent claims indicate that 130 members of Rwasa’s new political party, the National Congress for Liberty, have been arrested and tortured by the authorities, further crippling opposition efforts.
The potential opportunity for political thawing arose when President Nkurunziza announced he would not seek another term in June 2018. However, increased harassment and violent anti-opposition tactics suggest that the Burundian government is not aiming for an inclusive electoral process for 2020. The focus has shifted to targeting international NGOs, particularly through the controversial ethnic quota system, which has limited operational capabilities for certain organizations critical of the regime.
Media repression remains rampant, with both BBC and VOA barred from broadcasting in Burundi. Journalists face precarious conditions, particularly following the coup attempt in May 2015. Accused of collusion with coup plotters, many media outlets have been attacked, leading to an exodus of journalists. Some, like Jean Bigirimana from Iwacu, have gone missing, illustrating the dangers faced by those who dare to report.
The ongoing violence and repression leave victims deprived of hope for justice and accountability. As President Nkurunziza reflects on his legacy, the reality for many remains bleak, as significant change is unlikely before his term concludes. The “Abacu Campaign,” initiated by Amnesty International, continues to honor victims of human rights abuses in Burundi, ensuring their stories and aspirations are not forgotten as the fight for justice persists.
Burundi continues to grapple with a harsh political climate characterized by a systematic crackdown on dissent, particularly against critics of the government. The situation for opposition leaders is precarious, with many exiled or in hiding due to fears of arrest and persecution. Media freedoms are severely restricted, limiting journalistic integrity and freedom of expression. As the elections approach, hopes for a constructive dialogue and justice for victims remain minimal, warranting ongoing advocacy through campaigns like Abacu that strive to keep the individuals affected by these injustices at the forefront.
Original Source: www.amnesty.org
