Kirundo: forced contribution of the inhabitants which ends up in the pockets of the administrative and presidential party’s members
Residents who did not contribute food or money to support the demonstration last Saturday are threatened. The event organizers indicated that it was prepared to show support for the President of the Republic, Évariste Ndayishimiye. The food and money collected ended up in the pockets of the organizers while those who did not contributed are under threat. INFO SOS Médias Burundi
According to our sources within the supporters of the CNDD-FDD party in the province of Kirundo (northern Burundi), people who did not take part in the march-demonstration and the contribution in food or money in order to support the achievements of the President of the Republic by marching were threatened. They are treated as pariahs, opponents, according to activists of the presidential party.
“You have just shown us your positions. You support civil society and the opponents who have fled the country”, launched an Imbonerakure (member of the CNDD-FDD youth league) to a companion who did not participate in the event.
This march saw the participation of CNDD-FDD activists, especially from the camp of former Colonel Anastase Manirambona, the national commissioner in charge of ideology within the ruling party.
“They rather wanted to show their strength against those from the camp of former lawmaker Jean Baptiste Nzigamasabo nicknamed Gihahe,” said a resident.
The two camps have looked at each other like earthenware since the arrival of Réverien Ndikuriyo at the head of the presidential party. Clashes between CNDD-FDD activists affiliated with the two men have already caused several serious injuries in recent months.
The Imbonerakure from the party forced traders to close shops and boutiques and the Kirundo market during the demonstration.
“All activities were destabilized. Nobody could open the door of his store. Since Thursday, we have been forced to give various contributions according to their estimates. We have contributed out of fear and force”, regretted a shopkeeper from Kirundo.
CNL party activists accuse the CNDD-FDD of spreading terror.
“They are trying to intimidate us while forgetting that we are also veterans,” said a retired soldier, former rebel of the FNL (National Liberation Forces).
What’s shocking is that in-kind contributions were sold at the market by Imbonerakure.
“They bought beers with this money after the march. The amount collected is not known.
CNDD-FDD party executives, especially the administrators, shared what they took from the population. After the demonstration march they met elsewhere while others had gathered at the bar of the CNDD-FDD executive secretary in Kirundo province,” explained an activist from the ruling party.
