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Kirundo : CNDD-FDD activists divided by an assassination case

Two factions of the CNDD-FDD party in the province of Kirundo (northern Burundi) seem to be at loggerheads, following an assassination case involving a district party official and member of the Imbonerakure youth league.

INFO SOS Médias Burundi

A tense climate around the case is observed, according to our sources.

The incident, which occurred last Saturday, caused a real earthquake among party activists. According to several sources close to the district administration and CNDD-FDD circles in Kirundo, the victim has not yet been buried. His body still rests in the morgue of Kirundo hospital.

Viateur Habimana, the district administrator of Kirundo, allegedly blocked the burial, claiming that they had to wait for the court’s decision. He also allegedly promised the victim’s family active support in monitoring the trial, going so far as to cover the morgue costs.

The suspect and reactions

Marc Nduwamahoro, the main suspect and a leader of the ruling party, has been detained since December 15 in the Kirundo prosecutor’s cell. This incident was the catalyst for a fracture within the party, opposing two very distinct sides : that of former colonel Anastase Manirambona and that of former MP Jean Baptiste Nzigamasabo, nicknamed “Gihahe”.

In CNDD-FDD T-shirt on the right, Jean-Baptiste Nzigamasabo known as Gihahe next to the secretary general of the CNDD-FDD, February 5, 2021 in Kirundo (SOS Médias Burundi)

According to local activists, Marc Nduwamahoro is affiliated with Jean Baptiste Nzigamasabo’s side, while Viateur Habimana, involved in monitoring the case, is believed to belong to Manirambona’s side. The rivalry between the two factions seems to be exacerbated by issues of positioning on the list of those with confidence (“Abizigirwa”). Marc Nduwamahoro is on this list, unlike the district administrator.

Internal conflicts and political influence

Internal tensions are also evident in the composition of the list of those with confidence, dominated by those close to Gihahe, considered a right-hand man of Révérien Ndikuriyo, Secretary General of the CNDD-FDD. This choice is said to have excluded several members of Manirambona’s side, including the Minister of Defense, Alain Tribert Mutabazi.

Despite these divisions, some party and administration officials continue to visit Marc Nduwamahoro in detention, where he enjoys privileged treatment. Others, however, prefer to keep their distance to avoid being associated with this sensitive case.

Complex legal issues

Jean Claude Ndemeye, public prosecutor in Kirundo, is reportedly reluctant to bring the case before the courts. According to local sources, the latter, close to Jean Baptiste Nzigamasabo’s side, would like to calm tensions before pursuing the case. He even considered releasing the suspect, under pressure from several party officials.

On the other hand, the district administrator encouraged the victim’s family to demand a flagrant trial, thus showing his opposition to delaying tactics.

A sordid crime

The victim, beaten up to death by Marc Nduwamahoro and an accomplice, was reportedly abandoned in a field in Kanyinya village. His body was discovered the next day by passers-by. This tragedy highlights not only internal tensions within the CNDD-FDD, but also the difficulties of a justice system sometimes hampered by political influences.

The outcome of this case remains uncertain, but it constitutes a crucial test for the credibility of judicial and administrative institutions in this region of northern Burundi.

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The first on the left, Anastase Manirambona during the extraordinary congress which elevated Révérien Ndikuriyo to the post of secretary general of the CNDD-FDD, January 24, 2021 in Gitega (SOS Médias Burundi)