The hope that Burundi would cooperate with the recently appointed UN Special Rapporteur, who is charged with monitoring and reporting on the country’s human rights situation, has been dashed once more by the country’s representative at the UN Human Rights Council. Burundi accuses the Council of interfering in its internal affairs on a partisan basis.
On June 29, after an update given by the Special Rapporteur, some states raised concerns about the “targeting of political opposition figures.” They also called for the authorities to “thoroughly investigate and prosecute cases of alleged extrajudicial killings, forced disappearances, torture, and other human rights violations and abuses.” But at the same time, many praised the government’s efforts, supposed progress achieved, and the questionable work of its national human rights commission, which lacks independence.
We don’t know what steps the government is actually taking to address widespread human rights abuses in Burundi at this time. Our reports have highlighted the same patterns of abuses that occurred during President Évariste Ndayishimiye’s predecessor, Pierre Nkurunziza’s 15-year rule, since he took office two years ago.
Under Ndayishimiye, positive developments have been sparse. The Burundian government did end some suspensions of the media and civil society while also freeing a number of journalists and human rights activists who had been detained. But if the government is serious about enacting reforms and enhancing its image, much more is required.
Tony Germain Nkina, a lawyer and former human rights advocate who was detained in October 2020, is still incarcerated unlawfully. He was found guilty of working with a Burundian rebel group operating in the Democratic Republic of the Congo that is accused of carrying out attacks in Burundi despite the prosecution’s failure to present any convincing evidence.
Our most recent report provided additional evidence of the government’s ongoing repression, including more murders, disappearances, arbitrary detentions, and acts of torture against alleged opponents of the government. The judicial system is not impartial.
In one horrifying instance, eight Burundians were held incommunicado and subjected to torture in Tanzania. Burundi’s authorities tried the refugees for involvement in armed groups after Tanzania forcibly repatriated them. Six of them continue to be imprisoned despite a Burundian judge declaring the case to be political, the court clearing them of all charges in August 2021, and again on appeal in March 2022.
It’s time for Burundian authorities to follow through on their promises. Its commitment to doing so would be shown by granting access to the Special Rapporteur, freeing all those wrongfully imprisoned, and apprehending and prosecuting those who violate human rights.