Burundian politicians interpret differently COI report on eve of elections

Léonce Ngendakumana, Deputy Chairperson of Sahwanya FRODEBU party says different reports on human rights and political intolerance in Burundi are often times produced by the UN Commission of Inquiry.

Léonce Ngendakumana/ Keffa Nibizi

“These reports reveal the security and political situation prevailing in the country but nothing changes. The recent incident that occurred in Bujumbura Province shows how security is disturbed ,” he says.

Mr. Ngendakumana adds that Burundians must change their mindset and find solutions to their problems themselves. “The prevailing situation will surely affect the electoral process. The administrative and justice officials, security forces and the population must understand that if the 2020 elections are not well organized, the sad experience of the past years will happen again in Burundi,” he says.

As for Keffa Nibizi, Chairman of Sahwanya FRODEBU Nyakuri party, the Commission of Inquiry on Burundi is politically oriented since its establishment. “The commission always presents the same accusations and perpetrators,” he says. For him, the commission should avoid interfering in the political affairs of the country. “It is the first time that Burundi prepares for the elections when refugees have returned home,” he concludes.

On 9 March, during an oral briefing to the UN Human Rights Council, the Commission of Inquiry on Burundi concluded that the eight risk factors developed in 2014 are still observed in the country while a major round of local to presidential elections are just a few months ahead in Burundi.

The Commission of Inquiry on Burundi makes an appeal to the International community including the Security Council and regional institutions, to join forces to encourage the Burundian Government to reopen the democratic, civil and political space in the country. “These are not only basic human rights, they are also an absolute requirement for the holding of free, transparent and credible elections in a peaceful climate,” said Doudou Diène, Chairman of the commission.