Oral briefing by UN Commission of Inquiry on Burundi differently viewed

Tatien Sibomana, spokesman for the coalition of Independents “Amizero y’Abarundi” says the oral briefing presented by the UN Commission of Inquiry on Burundi-COI at the 40th session of Human Rights Council is somewhat true.

Tatien Sibomana (left) and Keffa Nibizi (right)

“Remember why the commission has been established. During the constitutional referendum campaign in 2018, those opposed it were persecuted, detained and even killed”, he said adding that the UN investigators are right to be concerned over the human rights violations in Burundi.
Mr. Sibomana says this after the commission of Inquiry on Burundi raised its concerns over human rights violations and the preparation for 2020 elections, this 12 March 2019 at the Human Rights Council in Geneva.

He adds that nothing ensures the credible preparation for free and fair elections in Burundi in 2020. “Burundians are still going through the crisis that broke out in 2015 and really need to live in peace. The 2020 elections need to be prepared seriously by resuming the inter-Burundian dialogue which will be attended by all political parties including the government”, he said.

As for Keffa Nibizi, chairman of Frodebu Nyakuri party, there is nothing to worry about the 2020 elections. “The previous referendum held in 2018 was a good opportunity for all Burundian political parties to express themselves through a vote for or against the Constitution”, he said adding that no one should judge those who will prepare the 2020 elections without any convincing argument.

Mr. Nibizi also says Burundians continue contributing willingly for the 2020 elections. “There is an ordinance that established how the process should be carried out. Otherwise, Doudou Diène wants to extend the commission term for his individual interests,” he said.
The Human Rights Council established the Commission of Inquiry on Burundi through resolution 33/24 of 30 September 2016.

Its mandate was renewed twice, each time for one additional year. Its main task is to conduct a thorough investigation into human rights violations and abuses in Burundi since April 2015, and establish whether they may constitute international crimes, in order to contribute to the fight against impunity.