PARCEM describes decision to temporarily suspend its activities as unfair

Faustin Ndikumana, Chairman of PARCEM, a local NGO involved in conscience awakening and change of mindset, says he was surprised to hear through radio stations that the Minister of the Interior has temporarily suspended its activities. “The letter was signed on June 3, but I have not received it so far,” says Ndikumana.

Faustin Ndikumana, legal representative of PARCEM: “People who tarnish the image of Burundi are those who are involved in the embezzlement of public funds, killings, corruption and bribery…”

In that letter, Pascal Barandagiye, Minister of the Interior accuses PARCEM of tarnishing the image of Burundi. According to Mr. Barandagiye, the local NGO “departs from its objectives as mentioned in its statute and is active in tarnishing the image of Burundi and the country’s leaders in order to disturb peace and public security,” reads the letter.

For Ndikumana, the ministry should have not imposed sanctions against PARCEM without prior notice.

Ndikumana says he received a correspondence from the Ministry of the Interior on March 19 stating that PARCEM was working in accordance with the new law governing NGOs in Burundi.

He explains that despite the fact he was not notified of the reasons for the sanction taken against him, PARCEM has suspended its activities throughout the country since June 19th.

“If the government makes a decision, even if it is unfair, we must implement it and start negotiations afterwards,” says Ndikumana.
He refutes the accusations of the Minister of the Interior. “PARCEM mission is to awaken people’s conscience and change Burundians’ mindsets in order to reach sustainable development. We have to react in all the areas of the country’s life, “says Ndikumana.

He believes that people who tarnish the image of Burundi are those who are involved in the embezzlement of public funds, killings, corruption and bribery…

“PARCEM opens debates to reveal fundamental challenges the country is facing so that they should be responded to,” he says. Faustin Ndikumana plans to engage in a dialogue with the Burundian authorities regarding the decision. He calls on them to refer to the law when taking such a decision.