Matongo : President Ndayishimiye insults Faustin Ndikumana and compares him to enemies of God

SOS Médias Burundi

Matongo, November 7, 2025 — President Évariste Ndayishimiye has once again crossed the line. In the district of Matongo, in the province of Butanyerera in the north of the country, he publicly attacked Faustin Ndikumana, representative of the NGO PARCEM (Words and Actions for the Awakening of Consciences and the Evolution of Mentalities), known for its advocacy of good governance.

While installing the new district administrator, Janvière Kanyana, on November 5th, the Head of State likened the activist to two biblical figures known for opposing God’s plans : Sanballat and Tobias.

“He is acting under the influence of demons. He is like Sanballat and Tobias. Do you know how old he is? But he has never married and continues to lie to the Burundian people. If he is a man, let him get married and provide for his family,” the president declared to the hesitant applause of the crowd.

Some residents, visibly stunned, did not hide their discomfort. In a video that went viral on social media, the president continued his tirade, addressing the crowd :

“Tell me, does someone who only cares about his stomach have any lessons to give to the Head of State?”

The president went even further, inviting residents near the podium to describe Mr. Ndikumana. Together, they agreed on the word : “despicable and impotent.”

Remarks deemed disgraceful

The reactions were swift.

“Even an ordinary citizen couldn’t utter such words, they represent such baseness,” commented a journalist based in Bujumbura.

“If he had advisors or if he listened to advice, he would have demonstrated how Faustin is lying, instead of insulting him,” believes another senior journalist, a specialist in political affairs.

A Burundian colleague living abroad added :

“The CNDD-FDD and its members have run out of arguments. They attack those who are critical. Today, it’s insults. Don’t be surprised if tomorrow the president insults people about their mothers.”

Despite several attempts by SOS Médias Burundi, Faustin Ndikumana could not be reached by telephone. The president’s spokesperson, Rosine Guilène Gatoni, also did not answer our calls.

Sanballat and Tobiah, Two biblical figures of hatred of good

President Ndayishimiye’s reference is not insignificant.

In the Bible, Sanballat and Tobiah are two men who sought to sabotage the efforts of Nehemiah, governor of Jerusalem, when he was rebuilding the city walls after the Babylonian exile (Book of Nehemiah, chapters 2, 4, and 6).

Sanballat the Horonite, governor of Samaria, embodies external political and religious opposition.

Tobiah the Ammonite, a prominent foreigner with ties to Jewish families, represents internal betrayal and corruption.

In the biblical tradition, these two figures symbolize those who ridicule, discourage, or sabotage projects of justice and moral restoration.

A climate of persistent intimidation

Since the 2015 political crisis, most Burundian activists have chosen exile. Faustin Ndikumana is among the very few activists still present in the country. He continues to denounce poor governance and corruption, while proposing reforms to pull the country out of what he calls “the worst economic crisis in its history.”

President Évariste Ndayishimiye is no stranger to verbal excesses. In December 2023, he already provoked outrage by wishing that homosexuals be stoned, calling them “possessed by Satan.”

A rhetoric that raises concerns

For many observers, these verbal attacks illustrate the regime’s slide toward authoritarianism.

“Comparing Faustin Ndikumana to Sanballat and Tobia is to equate criticism with rebellion against God. This confuses faith and power, and that is dangerous for democracy,” analyzes a theologian contacted by SOS Médias Burundi.