Kirundo : residents denounce forced contributions for Nkurunziza commemoration under pressure from the Imbonerakure

SOS Médias Burundi

Kirundo, May 28, 2026 – Just days before the official ceremonies scheduled for June 8, 2026, in Gitega, the political capital of Burundi where the former head of state is buried, residents of Kirundo, in Butanyerera province in the north of the country, are denouncing what they describe as forced financial contributions.

They claim that these collections are linked to preparations for this commemoration and that they are being organized locally in several neighborhoods and villages within the district.

According to several testimonies gathered on site, local CNDD-FDD officials, accompanied by members of the Imbonerakure youth league, are conducting door-to-door visits to collect money, primarily for the transportation of participants in the ceremonies, including young people mobilized for the event.

In several areas of the district, residents claim they are being forced to contribute without exception. “They go to every household demanding money. They say no one can be exempt,” testified a resident who requested anonymity for fear of reprisals.

Pressure and a climate of intimidation

In some localities, even citizens not affiliated with the ruling party claim to be affected by these collections. An Imbonerakure member involved in the operations reportedly told residents : “Here, there is only one party, the one in power. Everyone must contribute.”

These remarks are fueling a sense of intimidation among many residents and members of the opposition. “We are afraid.” “If we refuse to pay, we risk being marginalized or facing administrative problems,” confides a local opposition member.

Amounts vary according to the social category

Contributions are reportedly set according to socio-professional categories. According to several residents interviewed, civil servants affiliated with the CNDD-FDD are being asked to pay amounts starting at around 10,000 Burundian francs or more, depending on their income.

Citizens who are not party members would pay between 3,000 and 5,000 Burundian francs, while merchants are being particularly targeted, with amounts ranging from 30,000 to 100,000 Burundian francs.

“Merchants are being specifically targeted because they are assumed to have money,” says a resident of downtown Kirundo.

A population tired of repetitive collections

In several neighborhoods and villages, residents say they are exhausted by the increasing number of collections linked to various political and commemorative activities.

“We are tired of always contributing. Even the poorest have to scramble to find money to pay,” laments a mother.

A local youth leader, however, downplays the criticism, stating that the contribution remains voluntary and symbolic : “Even 1,000 or 2,000 francs isn’t a problem. The important thing is that everyone contributes.”

Lack of transparency denounced

Several residents also denounce a lack of transparency in the management of the collected funds. No official receipts are issued to those who contribute; their names are simply written in notebooks.

“We don’t know where this money actually goes,” says a resident, raising concerns about mismanagement at the local level.

Context and expected reactions

A spokesperson for the CNDD-FDD party was unavailable for comment at the time of publication.

Pierre Nkurunziza, a former Hutu rebel leader who became president of Burundi, ruled the country for 15 years before his death in 2020, a few months before the end of his controversial third term. According to the Burundian government, he died of cardiac arrest in a hospital in the former province of Karusi, in the east-central part of the country.

The June 8 commemoration in Gitega continues to draw significant political and administrative bodies across the country each year.