Giharo: a CNL activist in detention after a fight in a bar

Jonathan Sinzumusi was arrested after a drunken evening in a bar which ended with a confrontation with Ernest Niyonizeye, owner of the bar. But the latter is at the same time the leader of the Imbonerakure in the Giharo zone, Rutana province (southeast of Burundi). The opponent’s family demands his release. INFO SOS Médias Burundi

According to residents of the Giharo zone, Jonathan Sinzumusi and Elysée Niyongabo, known by the nickname Cege, went for a drink with their wives on Friday evening.

The refreshment bar belongs to Ernest Niyonizigiye, head of the Imbonerakure (members of the youth league of the CNDD-FDD party) in the Giharo zone.

According to the same sources, an empty bottle of Primus beer spilled and broke.

“Ernest Niyonizigiye directly took this opportunity to set up a fight. Jonathan and Elysée asked to pay for the bottle, but Ernest Niyonizigiye and his employee refused to take the money and attacked the two customers. They even tried to bring another bottle to replace the broken one, without success,” described an eyewitness.

Jonathan Sinzumusi and Elysée Niyongabo are both members of the opposition CNL party.

The bar owner then took Jonathan Sinzumusi to the Giharo municipal police station.

According to a police source, Mr. Sinzumusi has since been detained in the Giharo police cell. Elysée Niyongabo is also hunted by Imbonerakure, according to local residents.

Jonathan Sinzumusi’s family calls for his release.

The local police explain that they kept it for investigative reasons.