The 57th Session of the Human Rights Council
9 September to 11 October 2024
ITEM 4: Human rights situations that require the Council’s attention
Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights Situation in Burundi
23 September 2024
By: Yazan Hamid / GICJ
Executive summary
On 23 September 2024, during the 22nd meeting of the 57th Session of the Human Rights Council, the council considered the report (A/HRC/57/58) of Mr Fortuné Gaetan Zongo, Special Rapporteur on Burundi, during an interactive dialogue.
Mr Zongo opened the interactive dialogue by presenting the findings of his latest report, highlighting the growing repression of civil and political rights, economic hardships, and escalating security threats. The report examined the events leading up to the 2025 legislative and municipal elections, noting that political opposition, media professionals, and human rights defenders face increasing repression under the ruling Conseil national pour la défense de la démocratie–Forces pour la défense de la démocratie (CNDD-FDD) government. Burundi’s internal crises have been exacerbated by impunity towards human rights violations committed since 2015, as well as the resurgence of attacks by rebel groups like Résistance pour un État de Droit (RED) Tabara.
Mr Zongo disclosed corruption that has found its way into some of the most powerful forms of government. Ill-intended stakeholders easily manage to control media narratives through their puppetry of the National Intelligence Agency in Burundi. The Imbonerakue Militia, an armed and dangerous paramilitary group, enjoys free reign of torture, kidnapping, imprisonment and full-fledged massacre as they seek protection and endorsement from Burundi’s high-ranking authorities.
Meanwhile, Burundi's economy has entered a state of near-collapse, with soaring inflation, a lack of basic commodities, and widespread poverty contributing to heightened tensions. Additionally, Mr Zongo expressed that the impact of climate change on the economy is also perceptible due to Burundi’s vulnerability to natural disasters.
Background
Burundi, a small landlocked country in the Great Lakes region of East Africa, has experienced a prolonged history of political instability, human rights violations, and economic challenges. Since gaining independence in 1962, the country has endured ethnic conflicts, political violence, and civil war, which have shaped its fragile political landscape. The Arusha Peace and Reconciliation Agreement of 2000, which ended the civil war, brought hopes of stability. Still, implementing its terms, especially those related to democratic governance and power-sharing, has been inconsistent. In recent years, the political environment in Burundi has been marked by rising authoritarianism, particularly following the controversial 2015 presidential elections. These elections saw President Pierre Nkurunziza seek a third term despite widespread opposition and accusations of constitutional violations, leading to violent protests, a failed coup attempt, and a mass exodus of refugees.
Burundi’s human rights situation has steadily deteriorated since the 2015 crisis, with continued reports of political repression, extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and a shrinking civic space. The active ruling party, CNDD-FDD, has maintained its power grip through intimidation and violence, aided by its youth militia, the Imbonerakure, and the National Intelligence Service. Under the leadership of Évariste Ndayishimiye, who took over the presidency in 2020 following Nkurunziza’s sudden death, there were hopes for democratic reform. However, these expectations have largely gone unfulfilled, with the current administration continuing many of the repressive practices of its predecessor.
Economically, Burundi remains one of the poorest countries in the world, with over half its population living below the poverty line. The country is highly dependent on agriculture, yet recurrent environmental shocks such as floods and droughts, compounded by poor governance, have severely undermined its food security. Burundi’s economic grievances have been exacerbated by high inflation, currency depreciation, and widespread corruption, making daily life increasingly difficult for its citizens. The government’s inability to address these economic and social challenges has further fueled discontent, especially as the 2025 elections approach.
Report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Burundi
The report by Special Rapporteur Fortuné Gaetan Zongo provides a detailed assessment of the multiple crises facing Burundi. It opens by noting the worsening political climate in the country, where repression of opposition parties, media professionals, and human rights defenders has intensified. Over the past year, the space for political dissent has significantly narrowed, with government forces and allied militias using violence and intimidation to maintain control. The Imbonerakure militia, closely aligned with the ruling CNDD-FDD, plays a central role in enforcing the government’s agenda, regularly engaging in acts of violence, particularly against political opponents and civil society actors. The report stresses that the widespread impunity enjoyed by these groups continues to fuel human rights abuses, particularly those linked to the 2015 crisis.
A key issue the Special Rapporteur highlighted is the government’s lack of cooperation with international human rights mechanisms. Since the establishment of the Special Rapporteur’s mandate, Burundi has been hostile, rejecting his findings and accusing him of bias. In October 2023, during a meeting of the United Nations Social, Humanitarian and Cultural Committee, Burundi’s Permanent Representative condemned the Special Rapporteur’s reports as slanderous. The report pointed out that despite recommendations from the Universal Periodic Review and other international bodies urging Burundi to engage with the Special Rapporteur, the government has refused access to its territory. This stance reflects a broader unwillingness to accept international oversight or criticism despite Burundi’s election to the Human Rights Council for the 2024-2026 term.
The report also identifies several significant risks related to the 2025 legislative and municipal elections. Among these are the impunity enjoyed by government-aligned forces, the increasing militarisation of the Imbonerakure militia, and the potential for the elections to be neither free nor fair. The Special Rapporteur emphasises that Burundi’s judiciary remains highly politicised, with the government using the legal system to target opposition figures and suppress dissent. Electoral laws have been amended to make it more difficult for opposition candidates to participate, while the CNDD-FDD has maintained tight control over the electoral process. There is a strong likelihood that violence and intimidation will be used to ensure a favourable outcome for the ruling party.
The economic situation in Burundi is another central theme of the report. The country faces an unprecedented economic crisis, with inflation averaging 26.3% and the local currency rapidly depreciating. Burundi’s foreign currency reserves are dangerously low, covering only three weeks of imports, which has led to severe shortages of essential goods such as fuel and food. This economic instability has significantly weakened household purchasing power, with poverty levels continuing to increase. Corruption remains endemic, particularly in the public administration and justice system, where officials frequently use their positions for personal gain. President Ndayishimiye’s anti-corruption efforts have been mainly symbolic, with little progress in curbing graft.
In addition to these political and economic concerns, the report underscores the worsening security situation in Burundi, mainly due to the resurgence of attacks by rebel groups like RED Tabara. These attacks, often targeting civilians and public infrastructure, have led to widespread fear and insecurity. The Burundian government has responded with increased militarisation and restrictions on public gatherings, but this has done little to improve security or reduce tensions. The report notes that these security threats and the government’s negligent response contribute to a highly volatile environment leading to the 2025 elections.
The report also addressed Burundi's environmental challenges, particularly climate change's impact on agriculture and food security. Recurrent flooding, erratic rainfall, and land degradation have significantly reduced agricultural productivity, increasing food insecurity and displacement. Burundi’s high population density, combined with shrinking arable land, has created intense competition for resources, further heightening tensions in rural areas. The report warns that land disputes, fueled by elite land grabs and environmental degradation, are likely to increase in the coming years, particularly as returning refugees and displaced persons seek to reclaim land.
The human rights situation of refugees is a key focus of the report, particularly the treatment of Burundian refugees in neighbouring countries like Tanzania. The Special Rapporteur highlights reports of forced repatriation and abuse of refugees, as well as the challenges faced by those who return to Burundi. Many returnees face pressure from government forces and allied militias, particularly the Imbonerakure, and are denied access to essential services such as healthcare and education. The report emphasises that the Burundian government has failed to provide adequate support for returning refugees, leaving many vulnerable to further violence and economic hardship.
Finally, the report raised concerns about gender-based discrimination in Burundi, noting that women continue to face significant legal and social barriers. Despite international recommendations, Burundi has failed to ratify key treaties protecting women’s rights, and gender-based violence remains pervasive. The report calls for urgent legal reforms to address these issues, particularly in the areas of inheritance rights and reproductive health.
Interactive Dialogue
The representative of Burundi, responded to the report with a strong rejection of the Special Rapporteur’s findings. She accused Mr Zongo of presenting a biassed and politically motivated assessment of the situation in Burundi. She insisted that the government has made significant strides in improving its human rights record and fulfilling its obligations under international law. She argued that the government’s efforts to maintain peace and security, particularly in light of the ongoing threat posed by rebel groups, have been misrepresented in the report. She also rejected claims that the Imbonerakure militia was involved in political repression, stating that these allegations were part of a broader campaign to tarnish Burundi’s image on the international stage.
The delegate of the European Union (EU) expressed grave concerns over the repression of civil liberties and the erosion of democratic processes in Burundi. She called for the Burundian government to ensure that the 2025 elections are conducted in a transparent and inclusive manner, allowing for the full participation of opposition parties. The EU also stressed the importance of re-engaging with international human rights mechanisms, particularly by allowing access to special procedures mandate holders, such as the Special Rapporteur.
The representative of Iceland (on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic States) echoed similar concerns, emphasising the need for the Burundian government to end the persecution of political opponents, journalists, and human rights defenders. He called for the immediate release of political prisoners and urged the government to adopt measures that would restore civic space.
The representative of Gambia (on behalf of the African Group), in contrast, took a more supportive stance toward Burundi. He commended Burundi for its progress in rebuilding institutions since the 2015 crisis. He acknowledged that while challenges remain, Burundi has made strides in stabilising the country and should be supported through constructive engagement rather than punitive measures. The African Group’s stance reflects a broader regional view that African nations should be allowed to resolve their internal issues with support rather than sanctions. He emphasised that international efforts should focus on capacity-building and cooperation to help Burundi strengthen its governance and legal frameworks.
The delegate of the United States of America reiterated concerns over Burundi's worsening human rights situation. He condemned the government’s continued repression of political opposition and the media and stressed the importance of accountability for human rights violations. He urged the Burundian authorities to cooperate with international human rights bodies and allow for transparent elections.
Switzerland and Ireland: Both countries highlighted the need for electoral reform and the protection of human rights in the lead-up to the 2025 elections. expressed serious concerns about the human rights situation in Burundi. Switzerland’s representative, Juerg Lauber, focused on the need for Burundi to disarm militias like the Imbonerakure, which have been implicated in human rights abuses. He stressed that such armed groups pose a major threat to peace and stability, especially as elections approach. Ireland, represented by John Gilroy, echoed these concerns, urging Burundi to protect the rights of journalists and activists, many of whom have faced intimidation or arrest for speaking out against the government. Both countries called for Burundi to implement meaningful electoral reforms that would ensure a fair playing field for all political actors.
Malawi, Eritrea, and Tanzania: The African States called for continued international cooperation. They expressed solidarity with Burundi’s sovereignty, highlighting that the country has made notable progress since the 2015 crisis. These nations emphasised that the international community should focus on supporting Burundi’s efforts to stabilise the nation and address its internal issues rather than imposing external pressures. Malawi, for instance, called for more diplomatic and economic cooperation with Burundi to help it overcome its challenges, particularly in light of the economic difficulties the country is facing.
Closing remarks
In his closing remarks, Special Rapporteur Mr Zongo delivered an urgent call to action, expanding on the broader implications of Burundi’s human rights crisis. He framed the 2025 elections as a pivotal moment for the country's immediate political future and its long-term stability and respect for democratic governance. Mr Zongo highlighted that Burundi stands at a crossroads, with its ongoing repression and political volatility posing severe risks not just to its citizens but also to regional peace in the Great Lakes area. Zongo warned that Burundi risks descending into deeper instability, potentially triggering further violence, economic collapse, and international isolation if these upcoming elections are not conducted with transparency, inclusivity, and full respect for civil liberties.
Mr Zongo stressed the importance of addressing systemic issues that have fueled human rights abuses in Burundi since 2015. He pointed to the enduring impunity for past crimes, particularly those committed during the 2015 political crisis, as a root cause of the ongoing violations. The Burundian government’s unwillingness to hold members of its security collective accountable for extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and arbitrary detentions has created a culture where repression is normalised, and dissent is systematically crushed. According to Mr Zongo, without accountability mechanisms in place, the cycle of violence and impunity will continue to erode the country's democratic institutions and undermine any prospects for meaningful reform.
In addition to political reforms, Mr Zongo urged the international community to pay close attention to Burundi’s deteriorating economic situation, which he framed as an undercurrent driving much of the social unrest in the country. With over half the population living in poverty, soaring inflation, and a rapidly depreciating currency, economic desperation has amplified frustrations among citizens, making them more vulnerable to political manipulation and extremist rhetoric. Mr Zongo emphasised that improving the economic conditions in Burundi, mainly through anti-corruption measures and better governance, would be vital to stabilising the country and reducing the risk of further human rights violations.
Mr Zongo also called for the international community to maintain pressure on Burundi while offering constructive support. He argued that international engagement must go beyond issuing condemnations; it should involve robust diplomatic efforts, technical support for electoral processes, and concrete assistance in rebuilding Burundi’s civil institutions. International actors, including regional organisations such as the African Union and the East African Community, have a role in ensuring that Burundi adheres to its international human rights commitments. Mr Zongo expressed hope that international cooperation could foster a political environment where free and fair elections could occur, allowing for peaceful political transitions and a more inclusive government.
In conclusion, Mr Zongo underscored the importance of protecting those most vulnerable to human rights abuses, including political prisoners, journalists, and civil society activists. He urged Burundi to release all individuals arbitrarily detained for exercising their fundamental rights as a necessary step toward building trust between the government and its citizens. Failure to do so, Mr Zongo warned, would only perpetuate the divisions and mistrust that have plagued Burundi since the 2015 crisis.
Mr Zongo closed with a message of hope, stating that while the situation in Burundi is dire, there is still time to correct the course. With concerted efforts from the Burundian government and the international community, Burundi could move toward a more peaceful, democratic future. However, this would require a genuine commitment to human rights, accountability, and democratic principles—values that, according to Mr Zongo, should guide the country as it prepares for the crucial elections ahead.
Position of Geneva International Centre for Justice
Geneva International Centre for Justice (GICJ) views this engagement as a critical step forward in addressing Burundi's human rights challenges. We are encouraged by the global attention given to the upcoming 2025 elections and the emphasis on ensuring transparency and civic participation. We align with the progressive approach of promoting constructive dialogue and cooperation with the Burundian government and with African States that advocate for reinforcing national institutions rather than punitive measures. At the same time, we support calls for urgent reforms, accountability, and the protection of fundamental freedoms necessary for a peaceful and inclusive electoral process. GICJ remains committed to advocating for human rights and supporting efforts to foster stability and inclusive governance in Burundi. By working with international and local actors, we aim to contribute positively to Burundi’s journey towards lasting peace and democracy.
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