Burundi : UN sounds an alarm on the human rights situation ahead of the 2025 legislative elections

The UN Special Rapporteur on Burundi says human rights are at risk ahead of the 2025 elections. In his new report, he denounces a worrying shrinking of civic space, the persistence of impunity and the militarization of the society, and elections under high tension. INFO SOS Médias Burundi

The new critical report on human rights in Burundi dates from last July but had not yet been made public. The reason is that it will be unveiled and presented at the 57th session of the UN Human Rights Council, scheduled for September 9 to October 11, 2024 in Geneva.

Fortuné Gaétan Zongo highlights a severe restriction of the civic space, to the detriment of freedoms of expression, association and assembly.

“The civic space in Burundi is shrinking before our eyes, leaving little room for diversity of opinion or political expression,” said the UN diplomat. “Arbitrary arrests of journalists, intimidation of human rights defenders, and systematic repression of opposition parties are all violations that fuel a climate of fear,” added Mr. Zongo. According to the report, the main opposition party, the National Congress for Liberty (CNL), and its leaders, including its traditional leader Agathon Rwasa, are constantly subject to political and judicial maneuvers aimed at weakening their influence ahead of the 2025 elections.

For the UN Special Rapporteur on Burundi, the persistence of impunity and the militarization of the society raise serious concerns because, he says, it is the persistent impunity enjoyed by perpetrators of serious human rights violations, particularly since the political crisis of 2015.

“No official close to the regime has been prosecuted for the crimes committed, and the highly politicized judicial system has not initiated any serious investigation,” the Special Rapporteur deplores.

“This impunity is aggravated by the State’s inaction to demobilize the Imbonerakure, a militia affiliated with the ruling party, the CNDD-FDD. The Imbonerakure enjoy state protection and continue to intimidate, harass and sometimes torture dissident citizens,” he notes.

“The militarization of this militia and its central role in pre-election violence suggest an increased risk of violence during the 2025 elections,” notes the diplomat of Burkinabe origin.

High-tension elections in 2025

The report warns of the risk of violence during the legislative and municipal elections scheduled for 2025.

“Exacerbated political tensions, the absence of inclusive electoral reforms and the manipulation of judicial institutions are all factors that could trigger a serious post-election crisis,” warns Fortuné Gaétan Zongo.

The adoption of a new electoral code in 2024, increasing the costs of filing candidacies and imposing additional restrictions on independent candidates, is seen as an attempt to lock down the democratic process in favor of the ruling party, he believes in this report.

In addition, he mentions, “the opposition is under relentless pressure, as evidenced by the fate of Agathon Rwasa, whose party, the CNL, has been infiltrated and divided by actions supported by the administration. The division and weakening of the opposition only strengthens the power’s grip on the political process, thus compromising any prospect of credible and transparent elections.”

The UN does not forget to mention the unprecedented socio-economic crisis.

“Burundi is in a deep economic crisis, exacerbated by double-digit inflation (26.3%), shortages of fuel, water and basic necessities, and a severe depreciation of the national currency,” analyses the UN Special Rapporteur on Burundi. “More than half the population lives below the poverty line, and the economic outlook is bleak.”

This difficult economic context, he says, worsens the human rights situation, increasing social vulnerabilities and fueling popular frustrations.

Fortuné Gaétan Zongo indicates that endemic corruption in public administration and strategic sectors, such as public procurement and the exploitation of natural resources, further exacerbates the difficulties.

“Very few officials involved in embezzlement of public funds have been brought to justice.” This lack of accountability, according to him, increases Burundians’ distrust of their institutions.

Security risks and the rise of armed groups

The report covers the period of one year since last September. During this period, “several deadly attacks by the Red-Tabara group have been recorded, particularly against civilians and public infrastructure, which exacerbates political and social tension in the country. Internal security remains volatile,” describes the UN diplomat.

The Burundian government, in response, he notes, “has intensified its military operations, but these repressive measures have often targeted the civilian population and exacerbated human rights violations.”

“Security measures adopted by the Burundian State, such as the closure of public places or the arrest of supposed opponents, contribute to a climate of generalized intimidation,” observes Mr. Zongo.

In conclusion, the Special Rapporteur’s document notes that the human rights situation in Burundi continues to deteriorate, and the country could experience a new period of violence around the 2025 elections if no corrective measures are taken.

“Burundian authorities should restore the rule of law and ensure an inclusive and transparent electoral process,” urges Fortuné Gaétan Zongo.

“It is imperative that Burundi respects its international commitments and that the international community actively supports efforts for reconciliation, justice and the protection of human rights. The future of millions of Burundians depends on it,” he says.

He also calls on the international community to remain mobilized to protect the rights of Burundians and prevent new crises in this already fragile country.

Burundian authorities have not yet reacted to this new report. But in the past, they have always denounced Mr. Zongo’s reports, “motivated by a desire to tarnish the image of Burundi and its leaders.”

Last July, Burundi’s ambassador to Geneva fiercely opposed another report by Fortuné Gaétan Zongo.

“Burundi is outraged by a biased report with false allegations, which despises Burundians, and based on slander and infamy towards state authorities and an entire population,” Elisa Nkerabirori had vigorously denounced.

“In reality, it is to deliberately suffocate the democratic republican institutions for interests that are none other than geopolitical,” she had ruled.