Referendum campaign

The “Yes” or “No” campaign for constitutional revision is in ongoing. While some appreciate a smooth process, others speak of a campaign of intimidation.

Mabanda : The Imbonerakure, real lawmakers

Since the beginning of the referendum campaign, the Imbonerakure- youth affiliated to the ruling party-reign supreme. On Friday May 4, they ordered traders in Mabanda market to close their stalls and attend the rally.

Stalls in Mabanda market were forcibly closed by the youth affiliated to the ruling party.

That day, Evariste Ndayishimiye, Secretary General of CNDD-FDD party was holding a campaign there. It was his 2nd session after that of Mpinga-kayove (Rutana), the day before. It was a busy day for his team as they were from Rutana province (whose governor is from Amizero y’Abarundi opposition coalition). Their objective is to win all the votes of the electorate in Makamba. “Otherwise, the outcome of the vote could be uncertain given the loyalty of voters from Rutana to Agathon Rwasa,” said a member of the team.

At around 10a.m., people began to flock to the small stadium of Mabanda (in Makamba province), meant to host the meeting. Behind their impassive looks, everything could make one believe they came for their own will. The reality was completely different when approaching Mabanda market.
The market which was often crowded every Friday was empty. All stalls were closed. Under the orders of the Imbonerakure, all vendors were summoned to leave the market. “Go to breathe the air of a new Burundi,” they were told.

“It’s absurd because not all of us are members of CNDD-FDD,” one of them said. I.N, a cement and building materials trader, sadly said: “Where is it written that one must attend their meetings? If it is a day off for them, the administration should remind them that the municipality operates thanks to the taxes that we pay or simply exempt us”.

Angry traders

Same story as C.N., a cattle feed vendor (cattle-cake). Very angry, he does not understand how people, with the sole pretext that they belong to the party in power, can paralyze the life of a whole town. “Today, it is us, who knows if it is not going to be the turn of banks or hospitals the next day?” he wondered: “The government should do something about this. Otherwise it is another government which will set in another,” he said.

At the same moment and at the other end of the road that leads to the market in Ubushushe district, the situation was quite different for the owners of small restaurants and bars of this district, reputed to be dominated by “the recalcitrant (ibipinga)”. In a blink of an eye, these Imbonerakure, dressed in red T-shirts made themselves conspicuous. With sticks, they summoned these people to close their shops and join the others at the stadium. Luckily, none of them was beaten but two were fined BIF20, 000.
Asked about the unrest, Laetitia Niyonkuru ,Administrator of Mabanda commune denied knowledge of the facts. “No vendor came to us to complain. Otherwise, we would have punished with the utmost firmness the troublemakers”.

Ms. Niyonkuru said that in addition to the fact that such hassles cause a loss of revenue for the municipality, every Burundian has the right to enjoy their freedom of opinion and be a member of the political party of their choice. She concluded: “For anyone who may witness such actions next time, may they warn the competent authorities because there must not be sanctions of double standards.”

Written by Hervé Mugisha

Senate leader preaches for the amendment to the Constitution

The chairman of the Upper Chamber of Parliament campaigned in the provinces of Mwaro, Bujumbura and Bubanza urging his fellow citizens to “vote yes for peace and unity among Burundians.”

On Thursday May 3, 2018, the second day of the campaign at Rusaka market in Mwaro province, the preparations were going well. It was at 11 a.m. The music of CNDD-FDD party welcomed visitors from different corners of the province. Apart from those who were busy with preparations that were numerous, people came in twos and threes.

Révérien Ndikuriyo: “Burundians must show foreigners that they are responsible for their fate by voting yes for the new Constitution. “

Around midday, the Senate leader arrived with other top personalities of the country, such as Evelyne Butoyi, Minister of Youth, Jean Marie Niyokindi, Minister of Commerce, and Gabriel Ntisezerana, former Leader of the Senate. Until then, people were not many, but FUSO-type vehicles continued to turn up filled with people of all ages, women, young people, children who were singing songs of the ruling party.

The National Anthem, the prayer and the anthem of the party began the ceremonies of the official launch of the referendum campaign in Mwaro province. Révérien Ndikuriyo, Leader of the Senate, called on the people to vote yes to the new Constitution. “Burundians must show foreigners that they are responsible for their fate by voting yes to the new Constitution.”

On the third day of the referendum campaign, the Bagumyabanga (members of the ruling party CNDD-FDD) met in Nyabiraba commune of Bujumbura province. At the bottom of the basic school, tents were erected; the colors and flags of CNDD-FDD adorned the ground.

At noon past a few minutes, the Senate leader wearing a white T-shirt on which was the instruction “Tora Ego (Vote Yes)” arrived. The ground was teeming with people. Even the students from the fundamental school near the ground were not in class. There were dances, games and sketches not only to make the day more enjoyable, but also to call on the population to vote “yes” to the new Constitution.

“An opportunity to take our destiny in our hands”

The leader of the Senate, after explaining some points and amended articles, focused on the independence and the valuing of the people: “This new Constitution is the result of a survey of opinions of the Burundian people. After years of colonization and the periods of time during which decisions were made by other people, this is an opportunity to take control of our destiny. Do not miss it, vote yes. ”

On Saturday May 5th, the sky was cloudy. In the ground located in the middle of the trees of Ruce zone forest, in Rugazi commune of Bubanza western province, activists of CNDD-FDD party had erected tents and hung banners. Militants in uniform of the ruling party arrive at the ground. Groups of girls in uniform prepare dances.

The President of the Senate arrives around 1 p.m. accompanied by some high authorities of the country, especially natives of Bubanza province. He calls on the present population to vote yes to the new Constitution. “Vote yes for peace and unity among Burundians”.

N.A., a five-year-old boy with a white t-shirt with “TORA EGO” label, assures that he will vote yes because the new Constitution will bring peace.

Another resident of Ruce area seems not to know what is happening in the locality: “I will vote for President Pierre Nkurunziza who made me sleep quietly in my house.”

Written by Bella Lucia Nininahazwe

“Vote yes to end disorder within the institutions”

CNDD=FDD party delegation headed by the party’s deputy secretary general ran the campaign in the provinces of Cankuzo, Ruyigi, Muyinga and Kirundo. The inhabitants of these provinces were called on to vote “yes”.

On Thursday May 3, the delegation of CNDD-FDD party went to Gisuru commune of Ruyigi province to conduct a campaign. It was composed by the Deputy Secretary General of the party Joseph Ntakarutimana, Emmanuel Sinzohagera , the commissioner in charge of development within this party, Zénon Ndaruvukanye, the treasurer of the party and Spès-Caritas Njebarikanuye, first vice-president of the Senate.

Supporters of CNDD-FDD party raised their hands while confirming that they will vote “yes”.

Supporters of this party were mobilized. A crowd of people from all over Gisuru commune attended the campaign which was led by the deputy secretary general of the ruling party.

When the delegation arrived, the moderator required all participants to stand up to applaud. They started chanting songs and dancing. They said they would vote “yes” in the constitutional referendum “Tuzoritora ibwirizwa nshingiro, Tuzoritora” (We will vote for the Constitution, We will vote for the Constitution).

In his speech, the Deputy Secretary General of the ruling party called the population to vote “yes” for the revision of the Constitution. According to Joseph Ntakarutimana, provisions of the draft of the new Constitution will put an end to disorder within the institutions. He deplores the fact that the current Constitution allows politicians who have not won the elections to hold positions in the government.

“With the new Constitution, the President of the Republic will set up a government as he wishes. We found that those ministers who did not win the elections only slow down the government’s activities.”
The same delegation visited Mishiha commune in Cankuzo province on Friday, May 4th. Locals made up of Bagumyabanga also joined the campaign. “All Bagumyabanga must have already finished voting” yes “on May 17 at 10 am,” said the deputy secretary general of the ruling party.

“We are ready to vote for the revision of the Constitution”

For his part, Emmanuel Sinzohagera, the commissioner in charge of development within this party, the Constitution must be amended to end the fight of this party. “The last time people were involved in the establishment of the Constitution was in 1992. The one in 2005 concerned only politicians”. He added that in fighting, CNDD-FDD party also had the objective of setting up a Constitution voted by the population itself.

The same speech that calls on people to vote yes was made in front of a crowd of people who were present during the referendum campaign that took place in the provinces of Muyinga and Kirundo.

In addition, residents who were there said they were determined to vote “yes”. They point out that the advantage of the revision of the Constitution is that Burundians will really become independent.
“I will vote yes at 100 percent for the population to be independent. If not, with the Constitution in place, Burundi is run by colonists, “said a sympathizer of the ruling party.

These party supporters call on their fellow citizens to vote “yes” for the revision of the Constitution.

Written by Christine Kamikazi

An exciting campaign waiting for D-Day

The ruling party’s heavyweights went to the four corners of the country. They call Burundians to vote for the revision of the Constitution. In the center, Pascal Nyabenda, President of the National Assembly emphasized the motives of the amendments.

On Thursday May 3, in Buhiga zone and commune of Karusi province, the referendum campaign started with a rally of the Imbonerakure around 9:45. They came from 5 communes that make up the province.

Songs praising the party and President Nkurunziza succeeded one after the other. These young people from the ruling party were marching towards the sports ground of the zone where they joined other activists of the ruling CNDD-FDD party. They all awaited the arrival of Pascal Nyabenda, President of the National Assembly and Joseph Butore, Second Vice President of the Republic.

Activists of CNDD-FDD party blocked the exits to the stadium of Muremera.

They were numerous and of all ages. Some attended by force. The markets of Karusi and Buhiga and some basic and post-basic schools were closed. “How could we stay in class with this noise?” said a student from Buhiga I Basic School. The latter is located near the ground where the meeting was taking place.
“We have been forced to close. Some are here, others have left,” another student from the Buhiga communal high school said. All their teachers had participated in the campaign. The students had attended the course as usual. However, the headmaster told them that “there was no class. You will also follow the campaign”. He indicated that not everyone has complied with the decision: “A lot of students decided to go back home.” Information confirmed under anonymity by a director of another school in the chief town of the municipality.

The activists were hanging around, waiting for the arrival of authorities. In the meantime, the master of ceremonies gave the instructions about the vote: “Where will you sign your name?” He asked the Bagumyabanga. “In the rectangle in front of the Ego (yes),” they replied en masse. It was the word of the day. They said it again and again. Songs and dances with the same message dissipated fatigue.

“The five-year term in office was not enough”

The long-awaited authorities finally arrived. Top level personalities from Karusi province, including parliamentarians and the Minister of Higher Education, welcomed them. It was 12:20 p.m.
In his speech, Joseph Butore insisted on the sovereignty of Burundians to change their Constitution. “Changing the Constitution implies affirming the independence, refusal of contempt and oppression of the colonizers”. He also indicated that the Constitution put to the referendum obeys the concerns of the Burundian people.

For his part, Pascal Nyabenda, Speaker of Burundi National Assembly gave some reasons that motivated the amendment to the current Constitution, which according to him, leads to institutional dysfunctions.
For example, the president does not have the latitude to appoint ministers according to his choice. “They are imposed by political parties to which they belong”. Mr Nyabenda adds that the latter can undermine the execution of the program for which the Head of State was elected. “These ministers obey their original political formations to the detriment of the general interest of the state.”

In addition, the Speaker of the Lower Chamber of Parliament speaks of the need to expand the presidential term to allow the Head of State to carry out his program. “A five-year period was not enough. The first year was for the establishment of institutions and the last one is about the preparation for the next elections “. Other bodies such as the Senate and the National Assembly maintain a 5-year term. “This inequality of terms will prevent a possible institutional vacuum,” he said.

In Ngozi: A mobilization against expectations

The Muremera stadium shone in color Friday May 4th at around 10a.m. Flags of CNDD-FDD were placed all around the ground. Vehicles with the party flags and covered with banners on which was written “Tora Ego” (Vote Yes) could also be seen. A large procession was expected at this football ground. It arrived at around 11a.m. but some were surprised by the participation against expectations. Everyone agreed that people had not responded to the appointment as many as one expected.

Those who entered the field were denied the right to go out. Some party activists blocked the entry to prevent exits.

“Would you like to make us think of a boycott of our activities? On Tuesday, you were many during the celebration of the World Labor Day. This ground was full of people. You can only come in but cannot be allowed to go out, “said one of members of the ruling party to a few people who wished to go out. An old man, aged about sixty, asked to go for “a short call” but to no avail.

After giving the reasons for the revision of the Constitution (the same as those given in Karusi), Pascal Nyabenda urged the inhabitants of Ngozi to be vigilant in this period. “Check each time the identity of those who come to campaign at home. Ask for their political affiliation. “According to him, those who do it are members of political parties or independents. “May there be no one who comes to tell you that he came as the first vice-president of the National Assembly”.

As a reminder, two days before, Agathon Rwasa, First Deputy-Speaker of the National Assembly, had called on people at that stadium to vote no to the revision of the Constitution.

A dedication in ignorance

Some activists who responded to the campaign said they would vote “yes” to the revision of the Constitution. Nevertheless, they said they did not know the content of the two Constitutions.

“I do not know how to read and no one has explained to me the content of the two Constitutions and the controversial amendments. But I have to follow the instructions of those who lead me, “said anonymously a party activist who came from Rusagara hill in Gitaramuka commune of Karusi province.

“I did not understand anything that he just explained but I will vote for the revision of the Constitution, “said a fifty-year-old man, at Muremera stadium in Ngozi. He is one of the elected people on one of the hills of Tangara commune in Ngozi province. He believes that thanks to the new Constitution, the cost of coffee will rise. “Our coffee didn’t generate any interest because of the present Constitution.”

On Saturday May 5, Pascal Nyabenda, also went to Muhanga commune of Kayanza province where the crowd was large. He said he was pleased with the mobilization. The referendum campaign is to be closed on May 14th.

Written  by Edouard Nkurunziza

Coalition Amizero y’Abarundi

A peaceful start but with a series of incidents

After the first day, the referendum campaign for Amizero y’Abarundi coalition was marred by irregularities. Some activists were prevented from reaching the meeting venues.

The hopes of the coalition of a peaceful referendum campaign quickly dissipated. In Muyinga province, incidents occurred in the various communes during the meeting of May 3rd. According to Pamphile Malayika, an elected member of the constituency, some activists from Mwakiro commune were prevented from getting into the “Fuso” truck by the Imbonerakure.

Agathon Rwasa greeting the militants on his arrival in Kayanza.

Militants’ movement was also disrupted in Butihinda commune. In fact, the owner of the vehicle, a member of CNDD-FFDD, ordered the driver to turn back for the sole reason that his vehicle could carry his political opponents.

In Gasorwe, two militants who were coming from the meeting were dispossessed of their identity cards and registration papers by the Imbonerakure. “How will these activists go to vote without their documents?” asked the MP.

The same incidents were reported in the communes of Busoni and Bugabira of Kirundo province where activists were prevented from going to the provincial capital. This elected official deplores these actions and calls for political tolerance. He advised supporters of the “No” to avoid any provocation and clashes.

Incidents multiply

On the third day of the referendum campaign, threats and intimidation were reported in Kayanza province. According to Léopold Hakizimana, an elected member of this constituency, militants of Amizero y’Abarundi were prevented from getting on the trucks of “FUSO” type by security forces. According to the police, these vehicles are not allowed to carry people. In the communes of Gatara and Butaganzwa, the Imbonerakure erected barricades. They demanded that any coalition activist display their identity cards. Those who were not able to show them were forced to turn back.

A sexagenarian, who was able to escape the Imbonerakure said he was determined to take part in the campaign. “I saw the Imbonerakure and took another path. Whether or not we are prevented from going to the meeting, we are aware of the call made by our leader. ”

N.B, also managed to reach the meeting place. “For me, voting No is disavowing provisions that exclude our coalition,” he says.

Other activists from Ngozi were forced to get off the vehicle that was carrying them to Kayanza. Having arrived in the locality called Rukeco, testifies B.G, the owner of the vehicle ordered the driver to bring back his vehicle “which cannot carry people who will vote No. Some were forced to take bicycle taxis and others to walk on foot. The owner of the vehicle does not deny the facts.

At the meeting place in Kayanza, police officers were caught secretly taking pictures. Activists became concerned: “They identify the people who participated in the rally. They could use them to make arrests.”

Pierre Célestin Ndikumana, President of Amizero y’Abarundi Coalition’s parliamentary group also denounces these intimidations and the threats towards the militants. He deplores cases of arrests. “15 people were arrested this Sunday, April 6 in Mutambu commune of Bujumbura province, suspected of campaigning for the No” .He specifies that these people were in a meeting to prepare the “No” campaign. “We are in the No and Yes campaign. Nobody must be a victim of their political convictions. The member also protests against the attitude of members of some political parties who disrupt their rally. This happened on Sunday, May 6, in Kirombwe, Kanyosha commune of Bujumbura province. He points an accusing finger at FNL party activists.

A double standard policy

Agathon Rwasa, president of Amizero y’Abarundi coalition, denounces the behavior of the police and Imbonerakure. “When the ruling party’s militants hold their rallies in Muruta or elsewhere, what means of transport do they use to get where they what to go?” he wonders adding that “we cannot have buses that can carry all our militants.”It’s a discriminatory attitude “. Contacted, the road safety police did not want to speak.

For the police officers who took the pictures in secret, Rwasa called on them to work in a transparent way. “Come alongside other journalists and film anything you want” .However, he warned them: “If you take pictures to chase our members, we will alert the opinion as we often do”. The policemen in uniform ended up going away from the crowd. As to the actions of the Imbonerakure, the historic leader of FNL urges them to change their behavior and even” vote no “to get out of the obscurantism in which they are immersed.

On the third day of the referendum campaign, Amizero y’Abarundi coalition conducted the campaign in Kayanza and Muramvya provinces. Everywhere, the modus operandi was the same. The campaign began with a march. Supporters of “Oya” travelled through the streets before joining the meeting place. They said they were determined. During their march, they called passers-by to join them and vote No. In Bukeye commune, Tatien Sibomana and Yves Sahinguvu of UPRONA which is not recognized by the government were with them.

The former Vice President of the Republic recalled that the time of the campaign is not that of flexing one’s muscles, alluding to his name “Sahinguvu”, literally meaning “it’s not the time to use strength”.

Written Félix Haburiyakira and Arnaud Igor Giriteka

Cibitoke : “Amizero y’Abarundi” coalition intimidated

The members of “Amizero y’Abarundi” coalition are intimidated by those of the ruling party CNDD-FDD. The Independent Provincial Electoral Commission calls for understanding and mutual respect.

Agathon Rwasa speaking about the new Constitution: “I only got it this week.”

The meeting took place on Sunday May 6 in Rugombo and Musenyi communes of Bubanza province . Members of “Amizero y’Abarundi” coalition claim to have been intimidated for having participated in this campaign. According to them, they were intimidated and arrested back home. They point the finger at the authorities and members of the ruling party. “Some of our members are being illegally imprisoned for wearing T-shirts on which it is marked” No “to the referendum scheduled for May 17,” says a coalition official.

For some members of the ruling party, “the No” is unworthy of citizens who love their country and whose main mission is to preserve the sovereignty of the country. The coalition’s members say they do not understand why their activists are arrested while the coalition is recognized by the government and the National Independent Electoral Commission.

According to these members of the coalition, the electoral campaign should take place within the framework of freedom of expression and the right to join the political party of one’s choice.
Agathon Rwasa, leader of the coalition indicates for his part that these acts of intimidation are made with the complicity of some authorities at the grass roots level. He also denounces some cases where his supporters were prohibited from getting on the trucks of “FUSO” type while going to meeting places whereas those of CNDD-FDD do so without any problem.

Call for mutual respect

“A member of our party who will be caught threatening or intimidating those of other political parties will be punished in accordance with the law and will be removed from the party”, reassure some members of CNDD-FDD party.

They say, however, that the election campaign is going well and that none of them have been caught uttering threats.

The Independent Provincial Electoral Commission, CEPI says it is not aware of the situation. The chairman of this commission in Cibitoke asks all political parties to behave well and respect each other so that the election period goes well. He makes a strong appeal to the intimidated supporters to file a complaint for this behavior to be banned.

Written by Jackson Bahati

Not as peaceful as such

In Kirundo province, opposition activists, especially from Amizero y’Abarundi coalition, say they have been bullied by the Imbonerakure since the beginning of the referendum campaign. However, they say they are determined to vote “despite threats”.

In Bugabira commune, supporters of Agathon Rwasa are intimidated by the Imbonerakure. “They tell us that we will be killed after the May 17 referendum,” Iwacu sources said, adding that the intimidation is happening in Kigoma, Rugasa, Kiyonza, Nyamabuye, Kiri, Nyakarama and Gitwe areas.

Amizero y’Abarundi activists say they are being abused by the Imbonerakure.

In Busoni commune, onThursday, May 3, report eyewitnesses, those who returned from the rally organized by Amizero y’Abarundi coalition, in the provincial capital, were beaten up and spent the night in forest. The most targeted, say our sources, were Emmanuel Coyitungiye and Gérard Ndikumagenge from Mukerwa hill and Léonard Nibizi from Sigu hill. “All those who teach people to vote ” No ” in the forthcoming referendum on Mukerwa, Sigu, Kabanga, Gatete, Kiravumba, Renga, Kibonde, Munazi, Kumana, Murambi and Gatembere areas are intimidated.”

In Ntega commune, in the Carubambo and Ntango localities, activists of “Amizero y’Abarundi” coalition were also attacked by the Imbonerakure, during the first meeting in Kirundo province. “The Imbonerakure had erected barriers. We were beaten on our return from the provincial capital. “In this commune, on May 7, 2018, Paul Rwasa and Matonde were beaten by the Imbonerakure in Runyankenzi area under the orders of Samson Sindayihebura, chief of the party in that locality.

The Imbonerakure always accused

Jean Baptiste Nsabimbona and Joseph Havyarimana, two leaders of “Amizero y’Abarundi” coalition in Bwambarangwe, say they were intimidated by Bonaventure of the ruling party: “He told us to join CNDD-FDD party and stop our mobilization; otherwise, we would face problems. In the aftermath of this intimidation, they say, Egide from Bishuri sub-hill was beaten up by Rehana, an Imbonerakure.

All those who participated in the rally organized by Rwasa were intimidated and ordered to join the party of the eagle if not they would suffer the consequences, say our sources. As proof, Ruberintwari was beaten up before being taken into the dungeon of the zone: “He limps because of the blows received.”

Bad enough, our sources are alarmed, Rwasa’s supporters are forced to move because of the persecution they are subjected to by the Imbonerakure. This is the case of Jean Rwasa, leader of Agathon Rwasa sympathizers in Kimeza area.

He was chased by the owner of the house he rents by the orders of Yussuf Nsengiyumva, chief of zone, because he simply taught to vote “No” in the next referendum.

In Kirundo commune, on Friday May 4, 2018, Egide and Madora, two young people affiliated to CNDD-FDD, living in Nyange-Bushasha district, beat a certain Angel Mutesi because she participated in the meeting of Amizero y’Abarundi. She lost a tooth and the scene took place at her home. Three days later, Fabrice Ndikumana, a bike taxi driver who works in Kirundo center, was jailed for refusing to give his motorcycle so it could be used in a meeting of the ruling party that was held in Nyarunazi area, in Busoni commune. He is still imprisoned at the police station in Kirundo.

About 30 incarcerated opponents

Pierre Célestin Ndikumana, president of the parliamentary group of “Amizero y’Abarundi”, speaks about 30 militants of this coalition who are imprisoned, since the beginning of the referendum campaign throughout the country. “Some have been apprehended shortly after their return from a meeting, others are accused of campaigning for ” No ”.”

According Pierre Nkurikiye, the referendum campaign is taking place safely

According to him, 15 of their activists were arrested last Sunday in Mutambu commune of Bujumbura province. “They were accused of organizing a meeting to campaign for the” No “, as if the campaign had not started yet.” The administrator of Mutambu commune rejects these accusations: “I do not know from where this MP got this information. No member of this coalition has been arrested in my commune. “He also dismisses the allegations of intimidation against” no “supporters. “The campaign is going on peacefully. Opposition activists can walk on all hills without problems. ”

In Kizingwe-Bihara area of Kanyosha in Bujumbura city on Tuesday May 8, 2018, a man called Alex Ndikumana was arrested by the Imbonerakure led by a certain Lameck Horezimana, deputy leader of CNDD-FDD party in that locality. “He was accused of campaigning against the referendum”. Around 6:30 p.m., he got him into his car. In the process, other Imbonerakure encircled the house of the representative of ‘Amizero y’Abarundi’, say witnesses.

He brought him back at 9 p.m. Iwacu tried to contact Mr. Horezimana but in vain. Locals, especially “No” supporters, report that they are being beaten and threatened by the youth that belong to the ruling party.

In Gitega province, the leaders of this coalition say 6 militants are behind bars since the beginning of the campaign. “Five are incarcerated in Giheta commune and another is in the provincial capital”. The latter, Jean Ngendakumana, is from Jimbi locality in Gitega commune. “He was arrested with a certain Aimable, but was released.” According to these officials, their activists are often beaten by the Imbonerakure in the areas where they live. “A certain Jean Marie was beaten on Mungwa hill of Gitega commune by the Imbonerakure with the complicity of the administration at the grass roots level. His bike and phone were seized, “says one of the officials.

“They changed their strategy. When we are many, they leave us alone, but they attack one or two of our members who are alone, “adds another. In Murwi commune of Cibitoke province, the militants of “Amizero y’Abarundi”, who had been incarcerated on May 2, 2018, on their way back from the rally in Ngozi, were released according to their comrades. “However, their cell phones are still confiscated.”

Despite accusations by the coalition’s activists, the spokesman for the Ministry of Public Security, Pierre Nkurikiye, speaks of lies: “How can we stop people who are campaigning while this coalition is allowed to do so?” he says no security incidents have been identified so far. “Furthermore, no complaints from a member of a political party have been received by the police.” He urges those who feel threatened to go to the local police offices.

Written by Christian Bigirimana & Fabrice Manirakiza

Reaction

The Amizero y’Abarundi coalition: “Sabotage of the campaign”

In a correspondence addressed to the president of the National Independent Electoral Commission, Agathon Rwasa pointed out some acts of sabotage of the campaign of this platform. He accuses some administrative and police authorities of impeding the mobility of the population to participate in meetings. Another act of sabotage: “Usurpers of Amizero y’Abarundi coalition presided over by a certain Révérend Niyimpa who called for a “No” vote in the upcoming constitutional referendum. He points out that these “usurpers” are unknown to the coalition since its inception. The leader of this coalition asks the National Independent Electoral Commission (CENI) and the competent authorities to deal with the cases.

CENI replies

The National Independent Electoral Commission, CENI says to have given its approval to Amizero y’Abarundi coalition to campaign. This coalition has the right to run the yes or no campaign according to its choice. The spokesman for the commission, Prosper Ntahorwamiye insists that the commission does not monitor the political convictions of the members of an organization. “If there is an internal problem within this coalition, it is up to it to solve it. It’s not up to CENI to manage an activist who has deviated from their party’s line. ”

Léonce Ngendakumana: “Imprisonment of some members in Rumonge”

Sahwanya FRODEBU party says it does not support the organization of the referendum which calls into question the achievements of Arusha. “We had to participate in order not to leave Burundians in the dark. According to Léonce Ngendakumana, Deputy Leader of the party, FRODEBU activists initially panicked after the inflammatory speeches against those who would run the no campaign. He regretted that some of the administrative staff had been involved in arbitrary intimidation and arrests.
“I’m not talking about CNDD-FDD party or the Imbonerakure but the public authorities. According to him, some members of FRODEBU in Rumonge province have been imprisoned. Léonce Ngendakumana also deplores the fact that the public media favored the campaign for “yes”.

UPRONA: “No incident to be deplored”

The president of UPRONA party talks about the smooth running of the campaign. This party toured the provinces of the country by campaigning for “Yes”. “No Mudasigana has had problems so far.” Abel Gashatsi just speaks about logistical and financial problems which are solved internally. “Otherwise, we salute the police and administration for their involvement in the smooth running of the process.”

The European Union: “Persistent climate of intimidation and repression”

The European Union ensures that the referendum process takes place in a persistent climate of intimidation and repression and is marked by the absence of a consensual approach between the different societal and political groups of Burundi. In her statement, the High Representative of the European Union, Federica Mogherini said the lack of official public information on the key elements of the draft Constitution and the close control of journalists and the media could further compromise this process.

“In this respect, the EU deplores the recent suspension of VOA and BBC radio stations. The EU remains deeply concerned about the human rights situation in Burundi. Mogherini notes, in particular, the persistence of extrajudicial executions, arbitrary arrests, lack of political space and restrictions on freedom of expression and association. Federica Mogherini therefore believes that the implementation of the two Resolutions of the 36th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva remains a political priority. The European Union believes that the current process goes against the trend of mediation efforts and facilitation of an inclusive political dialogue that it supports. The EU calls on Burundian authorities to respect the spirit and the letter of the Arusha Peace Accords.

Analysis by Agnès Ndirubusa

Say no, despite the fear

“Caratuvunye ntakurekura”, is the flagship slogan of CNDD-FDD party, which could be translated into French as “We have struggled too hard to give up now”. The ruling party is therefore determined that the “Yes” wins over the “No” so that the Constitution should be revised. A few days before the end of the referendum campaign, the tendency is that the “Yes” vote could carry the day.
The opposition in exile boycotted the process and out of some 30 political parties in the country, only Amizero y’Abarundi coalition and Sahwanya FRODEBU party campaigned against the amendment to the Constitution.

In this match almost played in advance, Amizero y’Abarundi coalition has created a surprise. It dared! Videos circulating on social media caused a sensation. A crowd in each province gathered around the leaders of this coalition and proudly thundered: “Tora Oya”:Vote “No”. It was a symbol. A coalition whose members have been intimidated and arrested since 2015 and which was said to have gone too weak, showed that it is still there, after all. These members remain faithful mainly to the charismatic leader, Agathon Rwasa.

A resident of Ngozi said: “I did not know they were so many. It’s impressive because these people overcame fear to make their voices heard in meetings”.

The result of the races is set for May 17th. But for the moment, everyone is determinedly running the campaign until the finish line. No question of giving up.

President Nkurunziza said it so well: “Vote according to your choice.” The Burundian people would take his words into account…

         Translated by Pierre Emmanuel Ngendakumana