Human Rights Watch condemns “severe human rights breaches” in Burundi.

According to Human Rights Watch, Burundi’s security forces have perpetrated crimes against persons suspected of membership in opposition parties or coordinating with armed opposition organizations.

According to a study released on Wednesday by the US-based rights organization, national intelligence agencies, police, and ruling party youth members have used excessive force in response to assaults on both civilians and state agents in the country.

According to Human Rights Watch, the authorities have shown little concern for credible investigations, objective evidence, or the due process required to bring those responsible for the assaults accountable.

“Rather than focusing on perceived opponents, President Evariste Ndayishimiye’s government should concentrate on bringing those guilty for abuse, particularly members of the security forces, to account,” said Clémentine de Montjoye, Africa researcher at HRW.

“Burundians will cease living in dread only when their tormentors are brought to justice,” she continued.

Between October 2021 and April 2022, HRW stated it interviewed more than 30 persons, including victims and witnesses of abuses, family members, opposition party leaders, and Burundian human rights advocates.

According to the rights group, it also reviewed reports from local and international human rights organizations, media reports, public speeches of government officials, and social media posts, as well as analyzed and authenticated footage showing several armies and police officers admitting to killings.

The rights organization chastised the European Union, the United States, and other nations for pursuing a strategy of reconciliation with the Burundi government in the face of substantial evidence of human rights violations.

“Governments and regional and international organizations working with Burundi should guarantee that major human rights breaches… are on the table and that real and verifiable efforts to resolve them are presented,” HRW said.

It urged the government to openly denounce human rights crimes and to undertake transparent investigations into suspects.

Human Rights Watch also said that armed groups in Burundi should stop perpetrating human rights violations and acts of violence against government agents and civilians.

Burundi’s then-President Pierre Nkurunziza attempted to amend the constitution in 2015 in order to grant himself a third term. He was confronted with severe internal and foreign political opposition, including a failed coup attempt.

His regime retaliated with a surge of political violence, persecution, and human rights crimes against both genuine and perceived opponents. Burundi has been thrown into chaos by violent confrontations and political and economic uncertainties.

Since then, the perpetrators of the assault have faced visa restrictions imposed by the EU and the US. In reaction to Nkurunziza’s harmful activities, widespread economic sanctions were imposed.