Cibitoke : women traders locked up for attending an independent candidate’s rally

SOS Médias Burundi

Cibitoke, May 29 — Just days before the legislative and district elections scheduled for June 5, political tensions are rising in the small east African nation. On Wednesday, several women fruit traders from the modern market in Rugombo were locked up for six hours in the headquarters of the ruling CNDD-FDD party. The reason : their presence at a rally of independent candidate Thomas Nzeyimana, alias Mukombozi.

According to witnesses, local officials of the ruling party ordered this retaliatory measure after identifying these women during the May 23 rally, held in the parking lot next to the market. Women traders, accused of “ingratitude” for having received parking spaces thanks to the CNDD-FDD, found themselves forcibly locked in the party’s premises.

Economic losses and political humiliation

The economic consequences were immediate. Pineapples, ripe bananas, tangerines and oranges were left unattended, rotting on the stalls under the sun. “I lost my merchandise and yet I have to repay loans. This is a disguised punishment for my political opinions,” complained one of the affected traders.

But beyond the financial loss, the women described a clear attempt at intimidation.

“We pay taxes, we work legally. We cannot be forced to support a party. Voting is a right,” recalled another vendor.

Imposed uniforms and forced allegiance

Traders also claim to have been forced to wear CNDD-FDD uniforms during their detention, a symbol of allegiance that many denounce as a serious violation of their freedom of conscience. The opposition quickly reacted, describing it as an “authoritarian drift” and a “prelude to an electoral hold-up,” in a context where acts of intimidation against dissenting voices appear to be increasing in the run-up to the elections.

When contacted, the district administrator of Rugombo, Gilbert Manirakiza, denied any knowledge of the incident, while assuring that “the political climate is calm,” without providing any concrete evidence.

A climate of fear on the eve of the election

The women traders involved, however, dispute this version and call for the protection of their fundamental rights. They demand an apolitical business environment, where their opinions do not attract punishment or persecution.

As the electoral campaign draws to a close, this incident in Rugombo illustrates growing tensions in certain regions of the country, where political intimidation appears to be becoming a weapon of social control.

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Empty stalls at the Rugombo modern market : their occupants were forcibly taken to a headquarters of the ruling CNDD-FDD party, as a punishment for attending a meeting of an independent candidate (SOS Médias Burundi)