Alleged departure of the CNIDH chairperson : between accusations of embezzlement and political tensions

SOS Médias Burundi

Bujumbura, April 22, 2025 – The Burundian political scene is rocked by what appears to be a new political and financial scandal. The chairperson of the National Independent Commission for Human Rights (CNIDH), Dr. Sixte Vigny Nimuraba, reportedly left the country with his family last weekend, according to several concordant sources.

He is suspected of embezzlement and management irregularities within the institution he headed. His alleged departure comes shortly after the withdrawal of his diplomatic passport, a decision made following several summonses by the National Assembly’s finance department. This sudden departure recalls similar cases of two Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) commissioners, recently forced out by the same parliamentary institution.

A weakened CNIDH

The CNIDH, which recently retained its “A” status, attesting to its independence, is nevertheless facing fierce criticism. The speaker of the National Assembly, Daniel Gélase Ndabirabe, publicly accused the Commission, and particularly its chairperson, of producing reports that were damaging to the government’s image. He accused it of failing to “defend state action.”

At the same time, voices from the civil society accused the CNIDH of turning a blind eye to certain serious human rights violations, accusing the institution of double standards that undermine its credibility.

Internal conflicts and political maneuvering?

Sources close to the case report internal tensions within the CNIDH, particularly between Vigny Nimuraba and certain commissioners, which may have contributed to weakening its position. There are reports of internal maneuvers aimed at removing him, amid personal rivalries and strategic differences.

The National Assembly, for its part, recently called for the replacement of the commissioners. This controversial decision raises questions about compliance with the law.

“Normally, if one or two commissioners demonstrate a breach, it is the other commissioners who refer the matter to the National Assembly. It is not up to the National Assembly to issue a call for candidates. This is a violation of the law,” a local human rights defender told SOS Médias Burundi, believing that this interference calls into question the Commission’s independence.

A disturbing search

According to sources close to the case, Sixte Vigny Nimuraba’s home was reportedly searched by law enforcement, under circumstances deemed unclear. The activist cited above sees this as a further violation of the law and questions the legality of the proceedings initiated against the chairperson of the CNIDH.

A commission in crisis

The CNIDH is composed of seven commissioners elected for a four-year term, renewable once. It is administered by a three-member executive board (chairperson, vice-chairperson, and secretary), assisted by a permanent secretariat and four regional branches.

But today, the entire institution appears weakened. “The reasons put forward by the speaker of the National Assembly are not convincing,” continues our source, calling for a serious reform of the Commission’s operations and strict respect for its independence.

SOS Media Burundi made several attempts to contact Dr. Sixte Vigny Nimuraba, known for regularly responding to media requests, in vain.

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Dr. Sixte Vigny Nimuraba, chairperson of the CNIDH who fled the country after suspicions of embezzlement