Ligue Iteka declaration on the violations of human rights observed in Burundi during the first half of 2019

LIGUE ITEKA DECLARATION ON THE VIOLATIONS OF HUMAN RIGHTS OBSERVED IN BURUNDI DURING THE FIRST HALF OF 2019

Since April 25, 2015, Burundi is going through an unprecedented crisis triggered by the decision of President Pierre Nkurunziza to seek an unconstitutional third term.

From then until today, Ligue Iteka continues to record serious human rights violations in the country such as extrajudicial executions, targeted killings, enforced disappearances, torture and sexual violence, illegal seizure of the property of political opponents and of civil society leaders, the blocking of political space and expression.

During this first half of 2019, the Government of Burundi reiterated its desire to muzzle freedom of expression by taking action against independent international radio stations. In March, the BBC radio station saw its license removed while VOA radio was suspended.

Civil society organizations have not been spared. PARCEM, the organization that has demonstrated its independence through its objective analyzes of the country’s governance, has been suspended by the Home Affairs Ministry, accusing it of ruining the image of the country and its leaders in order to disturb peace and public order.

Moreover, there have been cases of political intolerance during this semester, when party offices of some political parties have been attacked, destroyed or even burnt. A party office of CNDD-FDD party was attacked while that of CNL party was burned. Members of opposition political parties have been killed, abducted, tortured or arbitrarily arrested and meetings of opposition political parties banned or disturbed.

Ligue Iteka is concerned by the recurrence of violations since April 2015. Thus, during the first half of 2019, Ligue Iteka has already documented 212 people killed including 104 bodies found, 29 reported missing, 160 tortured, 468 arrested arbitrarily and 32 victims of GBV.

Read or download the declaration : Ligue Iteka declaration on the violations of human rights observed in Burundi during the first half of 2019