Burundi: Association pour la Defense des Droits des Victimes et Familles des Vicimes du Mouvement Insurrectionnel le 26 Avril 2015, AVMI26 – Open Letter “Subject: Your position towards the planned referendum of 17 May 2018 in Burundi” (13.05.2018)

Burundi: Is the Imbonerakure or an unknown militia behind the Buganda Commune massacre?

Just as we are in the final week before the Referendum vote, which is to make sure a secure, life Presidency for Pierre Nkrurunziza and for his party CNDD-FDD. On Friday there has been a massacre in the Cibitoke Province, Buganda Commune close to the Democratic Republic of Congo, where they youth-militia has had extensive training of late. If that is escalated this weekend. That is just speculation, but the Imbonerakure, has been involved in violent activity, community policing and harassment of the ones opposing the regime.

Reports from Cibitoke in April 2018:

The first group composed mostly of those from the commune commune went on patrol to the rivière river, while the other group composed mostly of the commune went to patrol the border with Rwanda. Questioned by our source if these paramilitary activities are endorsed by the provincial administration of cibitoke, these imbonerakure have informed that they do nothing without the administration knowing. You will also know that on Tuesday, around 14 pm, the imbonerakure of the localité locality, mostly composés, made their entrance to the forêt forest by the commune commune. At the present time, according to our source, the head of the paramilitary training in mugira is a demobilized man named Jean Marie Ndayishimiye. The latter says that they are being prepared to counter imminent rebel attacks from Rwanda. The latest information collected by our source says that since 10 April 2018 these paramilitary training has been very intensive on a land of LA, Colline Hill, zone area of the commune commune. The names of those who take the lead in these training are: Edmond Maniragaba, Schadrack Nganyirimana, Delachance Mbonihankuye and Daniel Ndirakubagabo. The trainer in these paramilitary training exercises is a soldier from la province under the command of his superiors” (Agakemanyi, 13.04.2018).

We know that the truth will be hard to expose as the reports coming from VOA and other agencies are arrested on their way to travel there or even losing their equipment, as the government trying to seal it off. As they are claiming terrorist did the deed. However, that is uncertain, as this area has been a massive training-ground for the Imbonerakure, where the local authorities accepted their actions.

Some claims are these are from a group of para-military from the Democratic Republic of Congo, however, with no possibility of verifying that. At this point it can be either that or the Imbonerakure. Because, both parties are likely to do this. What is suspicious is that the authorities are not disclosing what sort of group that would be or what their mission in Burundi are. They not like insurgents from DRC who goes into Uganda, which has roots in Kisoro for instance. Therefore, the reasons for the sudden deaths and massacre. Is even more questionable. As to who did it and what the state is covering up.

It is not long ago, on the 5th May 2018, the imbonerakure tortured 5 men in the province for their willingness to vote now in the 17th May polls. These was opposition supporters who was taken by the militia and taught a lesson by the state sponsored youth-militia of the province. Therefore, they have already shown that they could hurt civilians. Therefore, could they go further?

I don’t have the answer, but that wouldn’t be impossible. That what is worrying, if the state financed militia, which has recently promoted the former leader into the Cabinet. He went from leading the militia into becoming the Minister for Foreign Affairs, that being Ezéchiel Nibigira. Therefore, we know that the Imbonerakure, is now vital. If it wasn’t so, the President wouldn’t have appointed the former leader from there. Peace.

Burundi: CNARED-Giriteka – Communique de Presse (12.05.2018)

Burundi: Moussa Faki Mahamat letter to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on the Inter-Burundi Dialogue and the Arusha Agreement ahead of the Referendum (09.05.2018)

Burundi: CNARED-Giriteka – Communique de Presse (07.05.2018)

Burundi Referendum: Settling the Imboneza yamaho aka Pierre Nkurunziza for Life-Presidency!

The Constitutional Court on the 4th May 2015 accepted the third term on the reason, that the first term where the President was elected at a temporary measure by the National Assembly and not by Universal Suffrage, hence, the legality of the Second Presidential Elections and the third term. This was done to secure that and establish reasons for justification to do so. Even if that altered the Arusha Agreement, by a technicality.

Now on the 17th May 2018, the CNDD-FDD are taking a step further, beyond the measures of 2015, so that ahead of 2020, the President can run again and again. Rule indefinitely. Without any legal provision standing in his way. The ones that had an issue 2015, should have issues now in 2018. But their voices are not heard. Many have during the previous years been silenced, detained or exiled. That is a mere fact of the architect of destruction, that this President has resided over.

Pierre Nkurunziza and his party is planning to become a life-President without any questions or anyone trying to topple him. His rules are law, his acts are holy and his words is more valuable than alle the treasures of the world. Nkurunziza is securing his own position, therefore, the lack of progress or lack of effort in the Inter-Burundian Dialogue, where the regime has handpicked the parties and the times for talks. Where opposition parties are handpicked and their voices not really heard. Why should they be heard? They are just obstacles ahead and not worth anything. If Nkurunziza got his wish, they would just disappear or go into exile, instead of bickering over his republic, that he owns.

It’s not like he has a fantastic track-record, as the in July 2010 he got 91,6% of the voters. Also, in the third term elections of 2015, after getting the Constitutional Court Approval, he got 69,41 % on the 24th July 2015. This after many opposition leaders was hunted down, killed, detained or exiled. Therefore, no real election in 2015. The coming in May 2018 is more of the same, the result will in favor of the President and the results will be a formality, as expressions against is illegal and media is hounded too. Not just foreign media houses, but local radio headquarters are burned and such.

Here is the Arusha Agreement from 2000:

She/he shall be elected for a term of five years, renewable only once. No one may serve more than

two presidential terms” Arusha Peace and Reconciliation Agreement for Burundi (28 Aug 2000).

Just like the Arusha Agreement, the 2005 Constitution Article 96 says this:

The President of the Republic is elected by universal direct suffrage for a term of five

years renewable one time” (Burundi Constitution, 2005).

So, the Referendum now, is only made for Nkurunziza, not for the betterment of the Republic. It is just so his vicious attack on the Republic can continue, where he is fighting the voices of freedom, liberty and justice. As he is consolidating all powers and securing himself the power for life. Nothing else is in the background. He has done it step-by-step, used all tools at his disposal and has no other plan.

The Statement from the Council of Ministers said this in this regard:

The Commission has therefore examined the constitutional provisions that are the source of imperfections while keeping unchanged, the provisions that have the merits and democratic values that guarantee stability and peace, the protection of the political opposition, the protection of the rights and interests of minorities, the protection of the independence of certain institutions and, above all enhancing the legitimacy of the constitutional order. As the main proposals of the Commission, it is proposed a semi-presidential and semi-parliamentary regime, its main characteristics being that the head of state is elected by direct universal suffrage with his own prerogatives, who shall not be deposed unless high treason, with a Prime Minister Head of Government and responsible before Parliament and from the parliamentary majority. The President will be assisted by a Vice-President of Ethnicity and Political Party different from those of the President of the Republic. With regard to the executive power, amendments are proposed to take into account the new constitutional system proposed. Regarding the legislative power, provisions have been identified to be amended in order to comply with the Treaty of the East African Community, the principle of absolute majority voting except for organic laws, resolutions, decisions and important recommendations where it is proposed a majority of three fifths” (MEDIA RELEASE CONSECUTIVE TO THE EXTRAORDINARY CABINET MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY 24th OF OCTOBER 2017, 25.10.2017).

However, it is ironic, that the CNDD-FDD talk of democratic values, while making sure their only leader, the fountain of honor and the greatest leader ever in Burundian history Pierre Nkurunziza, can dismantle the Arusha Agreement and change the Constitution to fit his narrative. That is not for democratic principals. That is lie, they know its a lie, but they say it so they are not getting detained, silenced or into exile. They are pleasing their master and his agenda.

The parts proposed amendment says: “No procedure of revision may be retained if it infringes the national unity, the cohesion of the Burundian People, the secularity of the State, the reconciliation, the democracy or the integrity of the territory of the Republic.”. Also adds the Presidential terms from 2 to 4 terms. Therefore, the National Unity, means the unity under the banner of the President and no one else.

To say otherwise at this point is naive. Is to be under a rock and forgetting what the authorities has been doing to keep him on top, while the rest is his minions.

The elections and referendum on 17th May 2018 is for securing life presidency, not to make sure the republic is better off with better democratic values or just laws. That is all lie and managed language to make sure the ones who don’t know what the CNDD-FDD are doing and how they doing it. There will surely be troubles for the ones voting no, for the ones not contributing funds for the referendum and also all the madness they have put in play.

So now, expect that Nkurunziza is a life President, the Imboneza yamaho, the almighty for ruler of Burundi. That is the end-game. There will be more referendums for Nkurunziza, when he is officially done with the fourth term or starting it. He will make sure the public changes it again. This is what we have seen with his idol Museveni. Nothing new here, just another republic.

This is just sad. Peace.

Burundi: OLUCOME – Communique de Presse – “L’Utilisation Illegalle des Vehicules et des Fonds de l’Etat lors de la Campagne Referendaire de la Constitution au Burundi” (04.05.2018)

Burundi: C.N.C – “Retrait temporaire de l’autorisation a 3 medias et mise en garde pour certains autres” (04.05.2018)

Burundi: Presidence de la Republique – Secretariat General du Gouvernement – Communique du 30/04.2018

Tanzania: Massive military activity ahead of tomorrow’s opposition protest!

Today, there has been something out of the ordinary, today the military and police has taken over the streets of Dar Es Saalam, a day ahead of the planned demonstrations on Union Day. This is a collective effort of the government to shut-down dissidents. This is happening all over the republic. This the answer from the government run by President John Pombe Magufuli, who has had issues with anyone questioning him and critiquing him. Over time he has shown his true color and ways! 

Yesterday arrests of people behind the demonstrations:

At least seven people have been arrested in Arusha for interrogations in connection with their role in possible political demonstrations across the country on 26 April 2018 (Union Day). The acting Regional Police Commander for Arusha, Mr Yusuph Ilembo, told journalists on Tuesday, April 24, 2018 that the arrests follow investigations conducted by the police force” (Juma, 2018).

Therefore, the precautions of the state is already involved, as the state whose now on the streets with guns, battalions of soldiers and such. To really signal, that demonstrations and protests are not allowed by this government.

As further reported:

The Dar Special Zone police chief, Sweethbert Njwele told an association of bodaboda operators on Wednesday that ‘there will be no demonstrations’” (…) ‘‘Everybody should go about their work as they usually do,’‘ Njwele said” (…) “ The city’s deputy police boss, Yusuph Ilembo, told journalists that the “government will not allow an illegal protest being planned by a few people to destabilise the country”(Mumbere, 2018).

So today, they put up the anti, they pulled the guns. Not only arresting fellow people involved in arranging the protest, but also telling motorcycle taxis and the public in general. To stay away, while ordering the police and army to intervene.

There should be understanding from the government behind this arrests, as the window for free speech, freedom of expression and even dissident voices are oppressed. If a paper write negatively or against the president. It will be suspended, if someone write a song that has certain illegal messages in it, it will be banned from being broadcast on the radio. If an opposition MP says the truth about the President’s behavior. He will be detained and taken hostage by the government, before being served with new jail time. That is the state of affairs under Magufuli. This has been happening over time.

Magufuli went from being praise for his goodness and his acts against corruption. However, he control-freak and lack of integrity, real leadership skills and understanding of his role has President. Is evident in the actions against the ones planning to protest, also against the media, singers and opposition MPs, that has all tasted: “What Would Magufuli do?”. Well the answer is: “He would punish you!”.

It is with warning, the demonstrations and nationwide demonstrations, as the evident soldiers in the street and the Police warning the public. The truth of the dictatorial actions are already there, with how the government has pursuit people in the past year. Therefore, not expect a comfortable result tomorrow.

What we are seeing now, is a man that thinks he understand his role, but he doesn’t, instead of leading, he is ordering. Instead of delegating and working with consensus. Instead, everyone is supposed to sing his tune, dance to his steps and praise the glory of all the United Republic of Tanzania, President Magufuli. Peace.

Reference:

Juma, Mussa – ‘Tanzania: Seven Arrested Over Union Day Protests’ (24.04.2018) link: http://allafrica.com/stories/201804240687.html

Mumbere, Daniel – ‘’No protests tomorrow’: Tanzania police tells citizens to keep calm’ (25.04.2018) link: http://www.africanews.com/2018/04/25/no-protests-tomorrow-tanzania-police-tells-citizens-to-keep-calm/