4 Burundi rights activists arrested while trying to travel

Last updated on September 20th, 2023 at 11:36 am

The government of Burundi has come under scrutiny in recent weeks as four human rights activists were arrested while attempting to travel out of the country. This is a troubling sign for the state of human rights and democracy in Burundi, as the activists are just the latest victims of a long-running crackdown on those who challenge President Pierre Nkurunziza’s autocratic rule. In this article, we will explore why these activists were arrested, what their case reveals about the current state of human rights in Burundi, and how the international community can help ensure that all those silenced by repression have a chance to speak out.

Four human rights activists have been detained in Burundi while trying to travel to Uganda for a meeting with civil society organizations

Four human rights activists have been detained in Burundi while trying to travel to Uganda for a meeting with civil society organizations. The activists, who work for the National Commission for Human Rights and Civil Society (NCHRCS), were stopped at the border and taken into custody by Burundian authorities.

This is a major setback for the protection of human rights in Burundi. The NCHRCS is one of the few remaining independent human rights organizations in the country, and its detention of these four activists will only serve to further silence dissent and critical voices.

The Ugandan government has already condemned the arrest of the activists, and called on the Burundian government to release them immediately. We urge other governments and international organizations to do likewise, and to continue to put pressure on Burundi to respect human rights and uphold the rule of law.

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Burundi rights activists were arrested while trying to travel to the capital, Bujumbura, to attend a workshop on freedom of expression. The activists, who work for the Burundian Association for the Defense of Human Rights and Detained Persons (ABADH), were stopped at the airport and had their passports confiscated. They were then taken to a police station and held for questioning.

The arrests come amid a crackdown on dissent in Burundi, which has intensified since President Pierre Nkurunziza announced his intention to run for a third term in office. Nkurunziza’s decision to seek another term, which he is constitutionally allowed to do, has sparked protests and led to a deadly government crackdown. In the past year, more than 400 people have been killed in political violence in Burundi.

ABADH has been critical of the government’s human rights record, and its members have often been harassed by authorities. In October 2015, two ABADH members were arrested and charged with “insulting” the president after they wrote an article critical of his decision to run for another term. They were later released on bail.

Name who are in trouble and detained are Audace Havyarimana, legal representative of the Association for Peace and the Promotion of Human Rights; Sylvana Inamahoro, the group’s executive director; Sonia Ndikumasabo, president of the Association of Women Lawyers of Burundi; and Marie Emerusabe, the association’s general coordinator.

In conclusion, the Burundian government’s arrest of four rights activists while they were trying to travel is a clear violation of their human rights. This action is a blatant attempt to silence dissent and prevent critical voices from being heard. It is yet another example of the government’s crackdown on civil society and its continued efforts to intimidate and harass human rights defenders. The international community must continue to pressure the Burundian government to respect human rights and comply with international law.