Thirty CNL party members arrested in Ngozi within four days

Térence Manirambona, Spokesperson for CNL party said at least 30 CNL party members from Marangara, Gashikanwa and Nyamurenza communes in Ngozi province have been arrested and detained in communal dungeons since 10 November. “All CNL leaders from those localities were also detained”, he said adding that one party member from Nyamurenza commune died due to the torture perpetrated against him: “We ignore the motives behind their detention”, said Mr. Manirambona.

Térence Manirambona: “This situation doesn’t bode well as to transparency or credibility of the elections.”

On 10 November, CNL party wanted to open a party office in Nyamurenza commune. The ceremonies were suspended following a confrontation that took place between members of CNL party and the ruling party. Térence Manirambona said it is not the first time that the incident happened. On 15 October, a CNL party member from Marangara commune was persecuted until he died. He said administrative officials are aware of what happened. “It is beyond political intolerance as people are now killed”, he said.

CNL spokesperson also said the perpetrators were in possession of machetes and clubs. “Our members weren’t in possession of those tools. This meant that it is difficult to say that we began the confrontation,” he said. Mr. Manirambona said party members who attended the ceremonies were coming from different areas. “There is no law that prevents people from moving from one commune to another unless there are special laws that are only applied in Ngozi province”, he said.

Albert Nduwimana, Governor of Ngozi province talked about CNL party’s violations of the opening of party offices. He also deplored the fact that some people were injured and accused CNL party of attacking peaceful people. “CNL party has invited members from other communes. The latter have committed offenses and injured four residents who were calm”, Ngozi Governor told Radio Isanganiro journalist. He called on political leaders to respect the orders that are given during meetings.