The Nyagisozi zone, located in the district of Busoni, Kirundo province, in northern Burundi, has been undergoing rising tensions in recent months. The local population reports suspicious sports activities and night patrols carried out by the Imbonerakure, the youth league affiliated with the ruling party, the CNDD-FDD.

INFO SOS Médias Burundi

Residents and especially opposition party activists speak of intimidating practices.

In the villages of Sigu and Ruheha, witnesses say that these young men roam the streets armed with machetes, batons and fake wooden rifles. These actions, often perceived as exercises in intimidation, take place under the complacent gaze of the local administration.

« It’s terrifying. They come out very early in the morning, especially on Saturdays, pretending to go to community development work. During this time, they chant slogans aimed at denigrating opposition party activists. All this is aimed at intimidating us as the election period approaches,” says a resident of Sigu village.

Night patrols and extortion

Night patrols of the Imbonerakure are also causing concern. These patrols are led by a certain Ramadhan Ndezako and bring together young people from different neighborhoods. Some wear sportswear, others long coats. According to residents, they occupy strategic positions after having made circuits at nightfall.

At night, residents who return late are often intercepted, brutalized and forced to pay a sum called “torch money”, ranging from 10,000 to 20,000 Burundi francs. Non-members of the CNDD-FDD are particularly targeted. Those who cannot pay are beaten up with sticks as a punishment.

Political pressure and internal tensions

Activists of opposition parties, particularly those of the CNL, are under constant pressure. Some are forced to join the CNDD-FDD to avoid reprisals. “Many have no choice. Out of fear, they become members of the CNDD-FDD or wear T-shirts of the ruling party, without sharing its beliefs,” reports a resident.

Furthermore, the district of Busoni is the scene of internal dissensions within the CNDD-FDD itself. Two opposing factions are led respectively by the former deputy Jean Baptiste Nzigamasabo, nicknamed Gihahe, and former colonel Anastase Manirambona. These two leaders, from the former Hutu rebellion, are competing for local influence, adding an additional layer of instability.

Calls for protection

Faced with this tense situation, the population is calling on authorities to intervene to prevent possible conflicts, particularly as the elections approach. “We fear a difficult and confusing period,” warns a teacher and CNL activist.

The climate of insecurity that prevails in Nyagisozi is a reminder of challenges that Burundi continues to face in terms of political tolerance and electoral security. The population, caught between political rivalries and intimidation practices, fears an escalation of violence in the months to come.

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A parade of Imbonerakure i Makamba province, August 2023 (SOS Médias Burundi)