General situation
Human rights violations continue to be widespread in Burundi. In 2023, ACAT-Burundi recorded 937 violations, the Ligue Iteka reported 1,420 violations, and SOS-TORTURE recorded 870 cases of violations.
On 1st November 2023, the United Nations Committee Against Torture concluded its review of Burundi's third periodic report on implementing the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. While commending Burundi for repatriating refugees and hosting others, the Committee raised grave concerns about widespread allegations of torture. These allegations were perpetrated by the Burundian police force, security forces (particularly the National Intelligence Service) and the Imbonerakure militia, the youth branch of the ruling CNDD-FDD party. Reported violations include torture, extrajudicial killings, sexual and gender-based violence and enforced disappearances, involving both state agents and Imbonerakure members.
Association
On 25th December 2023, three Imbonerakure members, Olivier Nduwimana, Déogratias Bakundumuhari and Léopold Niyongabo, brutally attacked Pascal Ndereyimana, an activist affiliated with the opposition CNL (National Congress for Freedom) party. They severely injured Ndereyimana, leaving him unconscious. Despite clear identification of the assailants and a filed complaint, authorities have not initiated an investigation, and the perpetrators remain free.
Expression
On 13th February 2024, the Burundian Supreme Court upheld a 10-year prison sentence rendered against journalist Floriane Irangabiye. Floriane has been detained in Bubanza Prison since her arrest in 2022, as previously reported by the Monitor. Her health continues to deteriorate due to a longstanding condition.
On 16th February 2024, the Burundi government abolished prison sentences for journalists facing ethics complaints and instead introduced fines ranging from $350 to $523. Cases will be referred to judges to determine fines based on offence severity.
However, concerns persist about the release of jailed journalists like Floriane Irangabiye, as the bill awaits further legislative stages before enactment.