Burundi: Ministre de l’Hydraulique de le l’Energie et des Mines – Communique de Presse (08.08.2018)

Burundi: UPD-Zigamibanga – Declaration du 31 Juillet 2018 (31.07.2018)

Burundi-Rwanda: Who is fooling, who?

“RDF is trained and prepared to fight wars but not to start them with others, but if others make us their problem and choose to start a war with us, that is when we use judgment, determination and training to fight and finish it for them” – President Paul Kagame at the Rwanda Military Academy at the Commissioning Ceremony on the 13^th July 2018.

There been twice reported during this month of movement of a possible militia crossed from Cibitoka province from the Kibra forest in Burundi into Nyungwe forest in the Ruhengeri district in Rwanda. Some Burundian sources claim it is Imbonerakure, the Youth Militia out of the CNDD-FDD in the province, and the final claim is that its trained militias from the Force de Defense National du Burundi (FNDB) too. While that is happening, in the Southern Regions of Rwanda, the 31^st Brigade and the 4^th Division are doing military operations, as reported on the 12^th July. So, it is not like various reports shows something is brewing. Hopefully, just puppy-talk, but these regimes are not sweet uncles, but fierce regimes, who has no trouble getting rid of someone in their way.

That is just some of the reports, so it is hard to know what is real. It has been reported that there was Rwandan Burundi based militia attacked this area in the 1^st July 2018 and that on the 13^th July 2018, that the same group came back.

There been long speculations and rumors of border clashes. But who would be favor of these reports?

Do the Rwandan government want a war with Burundi, as their economy is crippled and the dictator is a mad-Max, whose getting rid of enemies like other trash garbage. It is not like Rwandan dictator is anything different, he has left his opposition to rot in the prison as well. So them both are acting in-different to the voices within their republics. Therefore, non of these regimes are positive for the freedom or liberty. So, I would not defend anyone of these. Pierre Nkurunziza have no problem to send people to their demise, neither would Paul Kagame, he would put someone into a fatal tragedy for standing in his way.

Nevertheless, as the government needs fear, they need wars and enemies to act strong. That the Rwandan government could need a conflict, could consolidate Kagame even more, as he grew up in conflict and came as a General, whose never left power. Nkurunziza came out of a civil war and has now soon gotten rid of all his enemies internally too. These two would need a conflict to gain popularity, because it is just so far fear and self-inflicted deposing of citizens can go. By the time all opposition are gone or in exile.

Certainly, both regimes would need and use this to their favor. However, the Burundian Authorities have said it isn’t true. While the Rwandan government has verified it. This has happen before. You can question, if the Rwandan want to create a crisis and an excuse to attack Burundi. Does the Burundian government want to blame Rwanda and make sure they can attack the neighbor?

As both governments are working to kill this off. You can question why all these reports are coming up and who is fooling who?

What is the play and whose playing? What is the end-game?

I really wonder. Because both parties are saying: “no it wasn’t us and we’re not involved”. While both are sort of blaming the other parties. We will clearly see the signs and see where this goes. Who will use the other party.

However, it is hard to know who is right, as both are using their authorities to counter-claim. The Rwandan has happen through the Police Authority, while the Burundian has claimed it through the army. Certainly, one of them is lying. While in Rwanda, there been military operations going-on, without connections to the possible insurgence from Burundi.

That is why you can wonder if Rwanda are using the Burundi excuse for their own activity? But that is just speculations. Just like the rest. Nothing is really verified and both government like to keep things to their chest and secrets, also not like free media is free to report either. Therefore, the sources are shady at best. Peace.

President Obama’s letter to President Nkurunziza as tomorrow is the 54th National Day in Burundi (30.06.2016)

Nkurunziza reaffirms his position as president (Youtube-Clip)

 

“President Pierre Nkurunziza has reaffirmed his position as Burundi’s President by stating that God is on his side of power and party. He issued the sentiment on Sunday during an extraordinary congress organised by the ruling party, the National Council for the Defense of Democracy – Forces for the Defense of Democracy. “Many people in the world have stated that there will be no elections in Burundi. But God has always been stronger and we thank him because he has been with us and also has bee…” (Africa News, 2016)

Declaration du parti FNL sur la derive totalitaire du regime CNDD-FDD (05.06.2016)

A quick look into the three persons the U.S. Treasury have sanctioned from Burundi, yesterday!

The United States Department of the Treasury has yesterday stated that three Burundian persons have been put on their sanctions list. These have been decided by the Office of Foreign Asset Control. These are three persons are:

“NGENDABANKA, Marius, Kinanira IV, Kinindo, Bujumbura, Burundi; DOB 25 Aug 1974; nationality Burundi; Gender Male; Commander, First Military Region; Deputy Chief of Land Forces; Burundian National Defense Forces Deputy Commander of Operations (individual) [BURUNDI].

NSHIMIRIMANA, Edouard; DOB 1970; POB Bugeni Vyanda, Burundi; nationality Burundi; Passport 089567 (Burundi) issued 10 Feb 2006 expires 10 Feb 2011; Former Lieutenant Colonel (individual) [BURUNDI].

SIBOMANA, Ignace; DOB 01 Jan 1972; POB Buhina, Kanyosha, Bujumbura, Burundi; nationality Burundi; Gender Male; Burundian Army Colonel, Chief of Military Intelligence (individual) [BURUNDI]” (U.S. Department of the Treasury, 02.06.2016).

Who are these men? That is what I asked myself, there has to be reasons for they are getting sanctioned. The American Government and U.S. Treasury doesn’t do this to candy snatchers in Mogadishu or Kinshasa, not even Belarussian citizens get this quickly. So they have to have a past or a reputation of certain actions.

The Rebel leader against Nkurunziza is on the List:

Let’s take the first person I will look at are Edouard Nshimirimana, have said this: “Then, we will fight until Nkurunziza is removed from power” (…)“We are on the ground and more attacks against the government will be common,” Nshimirimana said, adding that all the anti-government fighting groups have come together” (Tribune News Service, 2015). “The other objective of the new group is to protect the Arusha Agreement that limits Burundian presidents to two terms in office, said Nshimirimana. All forces against Nkurunziza are united under the Republican Forces of Burundi, Nshimirimana said. “We are calling on all Burundians who believe in the rule of law to join us,” said Nshimirimana. The rebel force was behind the recent attacks on three military camps, where they captured enough weapons to fight Burundi’s army, said Nshimirimana. “We have no choice and the world is not helping Burundians who are being killed,” he said” (Tangen, 2015). As a rebel, I am sure he is more preoccupied with finding sources to get ammunition than if he can possible use his coins on White Castle in Manhatten, New York.

The loyal soldier of Nkurunziza:

Here is the second person I look into, her is some information him, by decree of the Burundi Government he was promoted on the 6^th May 2014 to be appointed as the Commander of the First Military Command. As his serial number is 0244 of the Military Commando. After this have also achieved this as Military leader:  “Colonel Marius Ngendabanka , commander of the 1st Military legion , close subordinates, he “pushed” the Cibitoke assailants last December , struggled against the coup-makers and protected television and national radio. He got the Order of Patriotic Merit, Commander Class 2 million frbu and a certificate of honor” (Isanganiro, 2015). So he surely have to answer for his actions at one point, but if he cares about the sanctions from the U.S. is doubtful.

The Intelligence officer of Nkurunziza:

Here is the third person and the last one who is also a loyal subject of the Nkurunziza reign, this been said about him: He became a part of a military commission that set up two military camps in May 2015, one in Musaga in central part of Bujumbura, the second camp would be set up in Muzinda in Bubanza province; this relocations of Military camps happen after the coup d’état. He became a part of the 9 person commission, here is what being said: “commission to execution this project has already been implemented. It would be composed of 9 officers, mostly from the former Armed Movements and Political Parties (PMPA). Among these, we can cite Colonel Ignatius SIBOMANA charge of military intelligence technically called G2 army” (Jeudi, 2015). Here is another report: “Ignace Sibomana was one of drugs’ traders named as “Kanyanga” for three years ago in Rwabinagu Village. He told his neighbors that Rwabinagu Centre was the focal point of drugs and he hopes that with the sensitization people will positively change step by step. Ignace Sibomana assumed that narcotic business impedes the development process and he recommended parents to give advice to some of inhabitants who don’t respect the assigned rules”(Ntakirutimana, 2012). This here been said at a later stage: “Colonel Sibomana Ignace head of department in charge of intelligence to the joint chiefs of staff general of the national defence force: (G2) SS 0174 of the serial number. He’s taking it out on a daily basis to the officers ex-FAB, he is behind almost all undue imprisonment of military and former military ex fab. His last find, spying on his fellow officers tutsi of staff general with microphones posed quietly in their offices!!!” (Burundi Journalistes et Société Civile, 20.02.2016). So the former drug-dealer turned Chief of Intelligence, that is surely a case of corrupted mind, hat the U.S. wants to sanction. As he is parts of the central leadership in the Nkurunziza military organization, so he surely have a say and makes important orders in the unrest and crisis.

This is enough for now. Peace.

Reference:

Isanganiro, Pacifique Cubahiro – ‘53ème Anniversaire de l’indépendance du Burundi : Des militaire et policiers contre le putch manqué ovationnés par le président Pierre Nkurunziza’ (01.07.2015) link: http://infosgrandslacs.info/productions/53eme-anniversaire-de-lindependance-du-burundi-des-militaire-et-policiers-contre-le

Ntakirutimana, Faustin – ‘“Drugs inhibit the development of the country”, Claudine UWINEZA’ (25.01.2012  link: http://www.southernprovince.gov.rw/index.php?id=56&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=207&cHash=3a0a224dd7e644c5acc2f27bf4174bd9

Jeudi – ‘Démantèlement ou simple délocalisation de camps militaires?’ (12.09.2015) link: http://www.rpa.bi/index.php/component/k2/item/1326-demantelement-ou-simple-delocalisation-de-camps-militaires

Tribune News Service – ‘Burundian rebels unite, declare war on President Nkurunziza’ (23.12.2015) link: http://www.pressherald.com/2015/12/23/burundian-rebels-unite-declare-war-on-president-nkurunziza/

Tangen, Ole Jr. – ‘New rebel group vows to overthrow Burundian president’ (25.12.2015) link:  http://www.dw.com/en/new-rebel-group-vows-to-overthrow-burundian-president/a-18942114

U.S. Department of Treasury – ‘Burundi Sanctions Designations’ (02.06.2016) link: https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/OFAC-Enforcement/Pages/20160602.aspx

Burundi youth wing Imbonerakure accused of political intimidation (Youtube-Clip)

“Opposition groups in Burundi have accused the government of arming the ruling party’s youth wing. They say it is an attempt to keep the president in power. People who have fled the country say they have been intimidated and fear for their lives” (Al Jazeera English, 2016)

Burundi: Mouvement Citoyen “Halte au Troisieme Mandat” (29.05.2016)

 

Remarks on Burundi by Farhan Haq, the Deputy Spokesman for the UN Secretary-General (26.05.2016)

NEW YORK, United States of America, May 25, 2016 – “Special Adviser Jamal Benomar is traveling to Bujumbura today following the conclusion of talks on Burundi that took place in Arusha, Tanzania.

The Special Adviser hopes that the talks in Arusha were a first step towards genuine and inclusive dialogue. He welcomed the meetings and stressed the undeniable challenge of starting a viable political process. He urged all of those involved to work diligently in order for that to happen as soon as possible.

Mr. Benomar has been consulting with various stakeholders who attended the talks and will continue to reach out to and consult with others who did not attend.  During his visit to Arusha, he reiterated to former President Benjamin Mkapa that he and his team are ready to assist and support the facilitator in moving the process forward.”