The amounts collected differ depending on the financial capacity of the household or individual. The operation is carried out in an atmosphere of terror, according to residents of Bubanza (western Burundi) who spoke to SOS Médias Burundi.

INFO SOS Médias Burundi

On Sunday, August 25, it was the turn of the modern central market of Bubaza in the provincial capital. The Imbonerakure (members of the CNDD-FDD youth league) who collected contributions visited each shop and stand. They requested between 1,000 and 5,000 francs depending on the activity of the trader or the size of business, in each shop.

« They told us that this money is a contribution to the party in power, » said a trader.

Threats

The Imbonerakure who took part to the fundraising threatned the traders. This concerned supporters of the CNDD-FDD and non-members of the presidential party.

« If you do not have this receipt from the party showing that you have fulfilled this obligation, you will have no right to trade in this market », intimidated the Imbonerakure against the traders and customers.

Many of these traders were forced to give the required amount to save their businesses, according to their testimonies.

These Imbonerakure have drawn up a list of traders who refused to give the contributions.

« They are « Ibipinga » (opponents), keep an eye on them », threatened the Imbonerakure.

The collection continues even in all households including in those owned by other political parties members. In some areas such as Muramba and Mitakataka, CNDD-FDD activists have disseminated leaflets.

« We will check even on the buses that you have paid the contribution, and you will have no right to go to Bujumbura (economic capital) », the Imbonerakure hammered in two zones of the Bubanza commune.

The heads of households and traders were informed that there is another contribution « waiting for you » for the 2025 legislative elections.

Lie

In the Gihanga commune, some tax collectors told residents that the contributions are intended to help poor families and households affected by floods.

In this same commune, residents deplore that « the CNDD-FDD receipt » has since replaced the national identity card.

« They (CNDD-FDD activists) provoke us by all means. The identity card has been replaced by the CNDD-FDD receipt. They do not give us any respite, » complained a resident of the capital of Gihanga.

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Women walk in a street of the Matonge district in the capital of the province of Bubanza in western Burundi (SOS Médias Burundi)