The World Report 2025 highlights worsening human rights violations in Burundi, including repression of civil society and media, ongoing violence from state-affiliated groups, a grave economic crisis, and systemic neglect of women’s and children’s rights. The current political climate poses significant challenges in the lead-up to the 2025 elections, as barriers to participation increase. Security threats and regional tensions further complicate the humanitarian situation, necessitating urgent international focus.
The World Report 2025 details the troubling state of human rights in Burundi, highlighting the government’s continuous suppression of civil society and media. Human rights violations, including enforced disappearances and arbitrary arrests, persist, particularly as the nation approaches the pivotal 2025 elections. Furthermore, an alarming economic crisis, marked by 26 percent inflation and severe poverty affecting over half the population, exacerbates the challenges faced by Burundians.
The ruling National Council for the Defense of Democracy-Forces for the Defense of Democracy (CNDD-FDD) maintains tight control over state institutions and employs the Imbonerakure, a youth league associated with the military, to perpetrate violence against opposition figures. Increasingly hostile political rhetoric has become commonplace as the new electoral code poses significant barriers to political participation, particularly for opposition leader Agathon Rwasa, who has been restricted from running in the upcoming elections due to stringent conditions.
Despite some reports of reduced penalties for media offenses, threats against journalists and human rights activists remain pervasive. Notably, a presidential pardon allowed for the release of journalist Floriane Irangabiye, while others continue to face arbitrary arrests. Independent media, such as Iwacu, has experienced repeated intimidation, leading to censorship and physical assaults on reporters.
The government also neglects the rights of women and children, allowing practices such as child marriage to persist. Co-habiting couples not legally married have been targeted by authorities, leading to evictions and family separations under the pretense of enforcing a “moral order.” This indicates a troubling disregard for individual rights.
The situation remains perilous with numerous violent incidents conceived by armed groups like RED-Tabara. Escalating regional tensions, largely attributed to accusations of Burundian governmental collusion in regional violence, underscore a deteriorating security environment. This situation precipitated heightened diplomatic strains, particularly with Rwanda.
In terms of accountability, the UN Human Rights Council has renewed the mandate of a special rapporteur to monitor Burundi’s situation, while the National Independent Human Rights Commission fails to operate independently. Meanwhile, ongoing investigations by the International Criminal Court reflect continued efforts to address past human rights abuses but underscore a critical need for internal accountability mechanisms.
In summary, the human rights landscape in Burundi is dire, characterized by government repression, a suffocating political atmosphere, economic turmoil, and violence. As the 2025 elections approach, the risks of further human rights violations loom large, intensifying the need for international attention and intervention to foster accountability and support for civil society. Without fundamental changes, the prospects for human rights and democratic processes in Burundi remain bleak.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
