Dispossessed Burundians urged to refer cases to the CVR in their provinces

SOS Médias Burundi

Ngozi, August 19, 2025 – The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (CVR) officially launched its activities on Tuesday, August 19, in Ngozi, in Butanyerera province in northern Burundi, to collect complaints related to land and property lost during the various crises of violence in Burundi. Its president, Pierre Claver Ndayicariye, urged victims to no longer undertake long journeys to submit their cases, since CVR representatives are now established in all provinces, both former and new.

Pierre Claver Ndayicariye warned those who would consider presenting false testimony or seeking to discredit the work of the commission. According to him, such behavior will be subject to exemplary sanctions. He also clarified that the CVR’s mandate in this area replaces that previously carried out by the National Commission on Land and Other Property (CNTB).

Background on the CNTB

Created in 2006, the National Commission on Land and Other Property was mandated to resolve disputes related to land and other property confiscated during various crises. It was one of the institutions, along with the CVR, resulting from the 2000 Arusha Agreement. However, the CNTB has been heavily criticized: accused of bias, it allegedly favored Hutu returnees—particularly those returning from Tanzania—over Tutsi residents. Its decisions have often led to the expropriation of so-called “bona fide” landowners, without a compensation fund, even though it was provided for in the Arusha Agreement, ever being established. This controversy permanently tarnished his image until the end of its term in March 2022.

Persistent doubts among the population

Despite the CVR’s assurances, a portion of the population remains skeptical. Many point out that the CNTB had already rendered several judgments in favor of victims, but that many of them never recovered their land or property. These citizens therefore fear that the CVR will not bring anything truly new. They urge the commission to act impartially and deliver justice to all dispossessed Burundians, without favoritism.