
“Bujumbura, April 22, 2025 – The Burundian political scene is shaken by what appears to be a new financial and political scandal. President of the Independent National Commission for Human Rights (CNIDH), Dr Sixte Vigny Nimuraba, reportedly left the country with his family over the past weekend, according to several matching sources” (SOS Medias Burundi, 22.04.2025).
The President of CNIDH who has been in office since April 14. 2019 and was renewed for another 5 years in office in 2023. So, we know this man was accepted by the authorities and was one of them. As he wasn’t challenging them and kept there by them.
Télé Renaissance reports: “According to Denis Ndayishemeza, vice president of FOCODE, this situation raises questions about the real independence of these institutions, both in their structure and in their actions. Regarding the future of the Independent National Commission for Human Rights (CNIDH), he believes that nothing will change: the current power will appoint a new leader to head it, but Burundians must not expect anything. For him, it is now clear that this commission acts under the direct authority of the regime” (Télé Renaissance, 23.04.2025).
The CNDD-FDD have now found another one to target and someone they could blame. Certainly, the authorities and the government didn’t like what he did or what sort of reports he kept. That’s why he had to flee, as there must have been some real reason for him fleeing and leaving into exile.
Now the former respected leader and regarded person who was acknowledged and was able to participate abroad as a delegate of the Republic of Burundi. That man is now in danger and in refuge. Him and his whole family are now on the run.
That’s how oppressive the regime of CNDD-FDD is and what sort of levels of intimidation it has on people. There is no holding back and the former head of CNIDH knows what the state does, and this is why he fled. He knew his life was at risk and the best way to survive was to leave.
This is telling story and says a lot about the civic space, liberties and freedoms within Burundi. When a man like him must go into exile. That’s what was left and his only choice. Because if he stayed, he knew he would not only be in trouble, but it could be his final demise. Peace.











