Tensions have surged in Kayogoro district, Makamba province (southern Burundi), following the circulation of anonymous leaflets reportedly linked to a group calling itself the Burundi Democracy Liberation Force (BDF Abisezerano). The pamphlets, which appeared in multiple locations across Makamba and nearby Rutana province, criticized the lack of political dialogue at the national level and hinted at the possibility of an attack.
Shortly after their discovery, two members of the opposition party National Congress for Liberty (CNL), Gatore Thierry and Ndayishimiye Thierry, were arrested on Monday by members of the Imbonerakure—the youth wing of the ruling CNDD-FDD party—with assistance from the Kayogoro district police commissioner. While the source of the leaflets remains unclear, suspicion quickly turned toward the opposition.
These arrests are part of a broader pattern of repression targeting opposition figures across Burundi. Human rights groups frequently accuse authorities of engaging in arbitrary detentions, torture, enforced disappearances, and judicial harassment of CNL members and other critics of the government. Activists report enduring both physical and psychological abuse in detention, aimed at silencing dissent and coercing defections to the ruling party.
Fearing for their safety, three other CNL members—Niyongabo Therence (the party’s leader in Mugeni zone), Nyabenda Firmin, and Jean Berchmans—have fled their homes. They are reportedly being pursued by Imbonerakure members Bikorimana Marc and Nsabimana Pierre, working alongside local officials.
On Tuesday, a public meeting was convened in Kigaza village (Dunga zone), chaired by zone chief Nyandwi Dechaux and attended by local CNDD-FDD leader Bayubahe, alias “Baba.” Witnesses allege that the gathering served as a platform to intimidate the opposition. During the meeting, the zone chief made an alarming statement:
“Mwe bakiri muri CNL, turabamenya. Bose ni ukubica vuba na bwango, igihugu kibone gutekana.”
(“We know those of you still in the CNL. We must eliminate you quickly so the country can find peace.”)
These remarks, widely interpreted as incitement to political violence, have sparked fear among opposition members. CNL activists claim their fundamental rights are being trampled with impunity.
Since the controversial 2020 re-election of the late President Pierre Nkurunziza, the crackdown on political opponents has intensified. Reports of threats, violence, and forced allegiance to the ruling party have become commonplace.
The atmosphere in Kayogoro remains tense, with CNL members describing a coordinated manhunt led by local authorities and security forces. They are calling on the government to ensure their safety and uphold their rights as Burundian citizens.
Imbonerakure march down a main street in Makamba as part of paramilitary training organized by the ruling CNDD-FDD party. They are accused of abuses against opponents.
