Burundi : concerning disappearances of several alleged former MSD members

Following the kidnapping of Emmanuel Mfitiye on Monday in Gitega (the political capital), other disappearances have heightened concerns about former activists of the opposition party Movement for Solidarity and Democracy (MSD), suspended since 2017 in Burundi. Two other men, a suspected MSD member and a retired military officer, both from Gishubi district (Gitega province), have been missing since March 19.

A series of disturbing disappearances

Both men, longtime friends, have not been heard from for nearly a week. Their family and friends, after searching various jails and police stations in the province, have yet to hear from them and express their deep concern. The context of these disappearances recalls that of Emmanuel Mfitiye, 60 years old, also a former member of the MSD, who was abducted in broad daylight on Monday in Gitega by individuals in a vehicle with tinted windows. Witnesses claim to have seen police officers in uniform from the Institutional Protection Support Group (GAPI) in the car used for his abduction. According to some sources, he is currently held by the National Intelligence Service (SNR) in Bujumbura, although the reasons for his arrest remain unclear.

The spectrum of the MSD and Red-Tabara

The MSD, an opposition party suspended in April 2017, remains a sensitive issue in Burundi. Its leader, Alexis Sinduhije, a former journalist now in exile, is accused by Burundian authorities of having links with the Red-Tabara armed group, based in South Kivu (eastern Democratic Republic of Congo). This movement is considered a terrorist group by the Burundian government. However, Mr. Sinduhije has consistently denied any involvement in armed activities.

The recent disappearances of alleged former MSD members have rekindled fears of targeted repression against opponents or perceived opponents of the regime. Several human rights organizations have previously denounced similar cases of kidnappings and enforced disappearances attributed to security forces.

Calls for mobilization and transparency

Families of the disappeared are calling on the authorities to reveal the fate of their loved ones and guarantee their safety. For their part, local and international human rights organizations are urging the Burundian government to carry out transparent investigations and put an end to the practice of enforced disappearances.

So far, no official statement has been made on these recent disappearances. Meanwhile, anxiety is growing among relatives of the disappeared, as the country appears to be sliding back into a climate of fear and impunity.

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The logo of the MSD party suspended in Burundi since April 2017