The local civil society organization ALUCHOTO has strongly opposed a proposal to appoint military officials to lead judicial institutions in Burundi. Vianney Ndayisaba, the coordinator of ALUCHOTO, warned that such a move could undermine the country’s democratic process.
Speaking on behalf of the organization, Ndayisaba said that placing military personnel at the helm of courts and prosecutor offices would compromise the independence of the judiciary. “ALUCHOTO does not support the proposal to put military officials in charge of courts and prosecutor offices. This would drive a nail into the wound of our fragile democratic process,” he told journalists on Wednesday.
Ndayisaba urged President Evariste Ndayishimiye to reject the idea, emphasizing the importance of entrusting judicial leadership to qualified legal professionals. “I appeal to the President of the Republic not to fall into this trap. We have competent men and women trained in law. Appointing military officials to judicial positions would be a serious problem for the country,” he warned.
The coordinator also pointed to historical concerns, citing the role of military magistrates in the assassination of King Ntare V of Burundi. “Military magistrates have a troubling history. Let me make it clear: ALUCHOTO does not support this proposal. Military officials cannot reform the judiciary because they lack the necessary expertise,” Ndayisaba argued.
While opposing the proposal, Ndayisaba also acknowledged existing challenges within the judiciary, especially the widespread corruption among prosecutors. He called for strict measures against corrupt magistrates and prosecutors to restore trust and ensure justice. “Corrupt officials should be sanctioned to strengthen peace and development. After all, true development stems from an independent judiciary,” he said.
ALUCHOTO’s remarks are a response to a recent suggestion by Jean Marie Nshimirimana, president of NTABARIZA, a local organization defending detainees’ rights. During a public broadcast last Friday, Nshimirimana proposed appointing military officials to judicial positions to address the corruption that plagues Burundi’s legal system.
“Your Excellency, Mr. President, you have appointed former rebels among your collaborators. I propose that you also appoint military officials to judicial posts, as they could help tackle the pervasive corruption in this sector,” Nshimirimana said.
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