Residents of Gatunguru Quarter, Rubirizi Zone, Ntahangwa Commune, Bujumbura Province, have reported what they describe as abusive practices by local leaders of the CNDD-FDD party. According to their testimonies, they are being compelled to make monthly financial contributions to support the party’s activities.
According to information collected by our organization, every citizen who owns a shop or operates a business is required to pay 10,000 Burundian Francs (BIF) each month as a contribution to the CNDD-FDD party.
In addition, residents report that they are forced to purchase a CNDD-FDD T-shirt. Anyone who does not already own one is required to pay 13,000 BIF, after which the shirt is delivered to them.
According to the same sources, these practices are being enforced by Imbonerakure leaders in charge of the local “cells,” including individuals identified as Issa, Ngabo, and Niyo. They reportedly claim that they are implementing instructions issued by the party’s higher authorities.
Residents say they are being subjected to harassment and question why they are being forced to purchase the clothing of a political party to which they do not belong.
One of the residents interviewed by our organization stated:
“Burundi has several political parties, and every citizen is free to choose the party they wish to join. We do not understand why we are being forced to finance the activities of a political party and buy its clothing when we are not its members. Does the CNDD-FDD consider that every citizen automatically belongs to the party?”
The residents are calling for an end to these practices, which they believe violate their rights and fundamental freedoms. They urge the authorities to ensure that financial contributions and activities related to the CNDD-FDD are limited to voluntary party members and that citizens who are not affiliated with the party are allowed to exercise their rights freely, without coercion or intimidation.