Africa-Press – South-Africa. Burundi’s approach to dealing with perceived enablers of armed opposition groups and suspected members has been condemned as “heavy-handed” by Human Rights Watch (HRW) in a recently released report.
HRW blamed the state security, police, and the ruling National Council for the Defense of Democracy – Forces for the Defense of Democracy (CNDD–FDD) for arbitrary detention, torture, and killings.
“The authorities have responded to attacks on both civilians and state agents by armed assailants or suspected rebel group members in various parts of the country with a heavy-handed approach,” the report says.
HRW alleged that the state actors had “shown little regard” for accountability for the alleged brutal acts.
Clémentine de Montjoye, Africa researcher at HRW, said Burundians were living in constant fear which could only be dealt with through justice. He added the government was going about it in the wrong way.
“Instead of targeting perceived opponents, President Évariste Ndayishimiye’s administration should focus on bringing those responsible for abuse to justice, including members of the security forces,” he said.
Based on verified video footage of several soldiers and police officers in Burundi admitting to the killings, the report also draws evidence from interviews conducted with victims and their families, as well as opposition figures.
One interviewee told HRW that his relative was kidnapped by four armed men wearing police uniforms in a car driven by a “well-known” state security agent, and that they had never heard from the relative since.
“I am worried that he is dead. This is what happens here when people don’t speak the same language as the government. I know you can’t bring him back, but please at least tell the world what is happening,” he said.
HRW blames the international community for reengaging the Burundi government when there are still rampant cases of human rights violations.
“The international community’s positive portrayal of Burundi’s human rights situation is out of sync with the level of mistrust and fear Burundians experience toward state institutions and security forces,” De Montjoye said.
After the death of president Pierre Nkurunziza in 2020, Ndayishimiye was sworn in and promised to uphold unity among Burundians and deliver peace and justice for all.
This led to the United States reversing the sanctions put in place by former president Barack Obama’s administration, and the European Union is scheduled to revive political dialogue with Burundi this month.
HRW also noted that its work and that of other humanitarian organs in the country remained restricted under Ndayishimiye.
“Documenting human rights violations in Burundi remains difficult due to restricted access to the country for international human rights organisations, security risks for Burundian activists, and fear by victims and witnesses of retaliation by the authorities,” the organisation said.
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