The situation in Burundi remains dire, with the government restricting civil liberties, evidenced by ongoing human rights violations amidst a significant economic crisis. As the 2025 elections approach, barriers to political participation and repression of independent media continue to rise, while gender-based violence and threats against LGBTQ+ individuals persist, highlighting urgent human rights concerns.
In the past year, the government of Burundi has intensified restrictions on civil society, independent media, and political opposition, exacerbating a landscape rife with human rights violations. The climate of impunity for past abuses continues, particularly concerning the events during the 2015 crisis. As the 2025 legislative and municipal elections approach, cases of enforced disappearance and arbitrary arrests emerge as pressing issues that threaten civil liberties.
Burundi is currently grappling with a severe economic crisis, marked by an alarming 26 percent inflation rate and a significant portion of the population living in poverty. The United Nations has reported shortages in essential resources such as fuel and water, alongside electricity outages that hinder public services vital for health and education, worsening the living conditions for most Burundians.
The ruling party, the National Council for the Defense of Democracy-Forces for the Defense of Democracy (CNDD-FDD), maintains a tight grip on the nation’s institutions and enforces its will through the National Intelligence Service and the Imbonerakure youth league. These groups are involved in acts of violence against those perceived as opponents, including harassment and killings. Hate speech and inflammatory rhetoric have also surged, especially at the political level.
An updated electoral code was implemented in April, raising barriers for candidates, which poses a challenge to the political participation of many Burundians. The new regulations require significant financial commitments to register for elections. Furthermore, it imposes a two-year waiting period for candidates leaving political parties to run as independents, notably impacting opposition leader Agathon Rwasa’s candidacy for the 2025 elections.
Political tensions escalated when the interior minister accused the opposition CNL party of collusion with a terrorist organization, resulting in threats against them. In response, the CNL announced plans for a convention to address its internal issues. However, party leadership changes have shaken its stability, as illustrated by Rwasa’s ousting in March 2024.
Journalists and human rights defenders continue to face threats and repression. Notably, journalist Floriane Irangabiye received a presidential pardon, yet journalist Sandra Muhoza remains unjustly detained. Additionally, other journalists, including Ahmadi Radjabu, have been arrested for attempting to cover significant events, reflecting ongoing challenges to media freedom.
Iwacu, one of the country’s remaining independent media outlets, reported sustained threats and intimidation throughout the year. The government regulator, CNC, has restricted certain broadcasts and investigated Iwacu’s reporting, highlighting a challenging environment for media operations. Recent revisions to media law, while somewhat easing penalties, still fall short of meeting international human rights standards.
The rights of women and children remain inadequately addressed, as evidenced by a lack of action against gender-based violence. Alarmingly, a notable percentage of girls marry before age 18. Harassment and forced relocations of cohabitating couples by authorities reveal systemic discrimination, often justified under moral pretexts.
Security continues to be compromised, particularly in border regions. A series of violent attacks attributed to the armed group RED-Tabara have resulted in multiple fatalities and heightened regional tensions. In retaliation for these incidents, diplomatic ties with Rwanda were severed by the Burundian government, further complicating the security dynamics in the Great Lakes region.
The UN Human Rights Council’s commitment to monitoring human rights in Burundi highlights the country’s ongoing obligations. However, the national mechanisms for human rights protection, exemplified in the CNIDH’s lack of independence, are severely compromised. Moreover, the International Criminal Court continues its investigation into alleged crimes against humanity amid a backdrop of unaddressed grievances.
Finally, LGBTQ+ rights remain gravely under threat, with criminalization under the penal code and inflammatory rhetoric from officials inciting violence against these communities. These developments illustrate the complex and challenging landscape of rights in Burundi as the country approaches critical elections in 2025.
In conclusion, the human rights situation in Burundi is marked by significant repression, particularly against civil society, the media, and political opposition. An ongoing economic crisis exacerbates these issues, while the upcoming elections further complicate the political landscape. The government’s actions against journalists, gender-based violence, and LGBTQ+ rights remain critical concerns, underscoring a persistent need for international attention and accountability. Individuals and organizations advocating for human rights face formidable challenges as they work towards a more open and just society.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
