In the heart of Burundi, Fortuné Gaetan Zongo, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on human rights, shares his insights drawn from a wealth of experience in legal and human rights spheres. Zongo’s judicial journey commenced with his training as a magistrate, leading him to the Court of Appeal in Burkina Faso, and serving in various significant judicial roles, shaping his deep understanding of human rights law.
Assessing Burundi’s human rights landscape, Zongo highlights the disheartening restrictions on freedoms and an inefficient judiciary reflective of deep economic divides. He draws attention to the erosion of key accords like the Arusha Accords, exacerbating the looming threat of post-election strife. While acknowledging President Ndayishimiye’s pledges against corruption, he insists that mere words are insufficient; decisive actions are paramount for achieving justice and reconciliation.
Zongo reminisces about his enduring passion for human rights, admitting Burundi’s beauty is overshadowed by a history of crises demanding unity for resolution. The enduring scars from the 2015 political crisis impede progress as refugees remain displaced, leaving a visible impact on human rights and prosperity.
Journalists in Burundi experience consistent harassment and repression, with Zongo lamenting the absence of acceptable freedom of expression. Citing recent events, he emphasises the peril journalists face, confined under a regime that punishes dissent and stifles independent voices.
Reflecting on the broader geopolitical landscape, Zongo believes organisations like the African Union and the UN play crucial roles in advocating for human rights in Burundi, despite facing challenges in effecting change. He observes that, while ethnic harmony persists, it could fall victim to manipulation by those in power.
Zongo sheds light on alarming reports of torture and ill-treatment within Burundi’s security forces, revealing the judiciary’s impotence to hold perpetrators accountable. With poverty as a societal ailment, the military’s grip on resources hampers economic development, denying citizens the civil rights essential for progress.
Civic space in Burundi is increasingly under threat, marred by arbitrary arrests and dominance of ruling party narratives. The dire economic situation manifests in shortages of essential goods, which exacerbates the population’s struggles.
As the nation approaches potential municipal and legislative elections in 2025, Zongo warns of heightened violence risks stemming from civic repression and systemic exclusion of dissenters. Rebel groups like RED Tabara pose a risk, but the fragility created by exclusionary politics is a greater concern for Zongo.
He advocates for a revival of the Arusha Agreement, which historically fostered peace and national dialogue, urging for a revised framework that prioritises reconciliation. The Imbonerakure militia’s impunity, closely tied to the ruling party, is a significant barrier to restoring accountability and stability.
President Ndayishimiye’s hopeful rhetoric against corruption contrasts sharply with the lack of tangible developments around human rights issues, prompting Zongo to call for decisive actions that yield real change. He identifies key priorities: strengthening legal enforcement, building a robust state free from individual dominance, and promoting human rights education to empower citizens.
Fortuné Gaetan Zongo, UN Special Rapporteur, critiques Burundi’s human rights situation, highlighting issues like restricted freedoms, an inefficient judiciary, and entrenched inequalities. He warns of the risks of post-election violence and stresses the necessity for a political overhaul grounded in human rights education. Zongo calls for action from government leaders and advocates for the revival of the Arusha Agreement to facilitate reconciliation and peace.
Fortuné Gaetan Zongo’s insights underscore the deep-seated challenges facing Burundi amidst a backdrop of political crisis and rights violations. His call for urgent judicial reforms, genuine political inclusion, and meaningful human rights education reveals the path forward. Only through unwavering commitment to democracy and accountability can Burundi rekindle hope for a brighter, more united future. The revival of pivotal frameworks like the Arusha Agreement could be critical to restoring peace and stability.
Original Source: intpolicydigest.org
