The Burundian opposition party Congress for Democracy and Progress (CDP) has condemned the “unjust arrest” of two of its members in Mabanda Commune, Makamba Province, in southern Burundi, on Saturday. The arrests come amidst heightened political tensions ahead of Burundi’s 2025 elections.
The detained members, Mbaririmbanyi Antoine and Nijimbere Fabien, were allegedly accused of unlawfully collecting national ID cards and receipts. However, CDP Chairman Anicet Niyonkuru refuted the claims, saying that the duo was merely photocopying these documents as part of preparations for candidate registration.
“These are baseless accusations meant to intimidate potential candidates,” Niyonkuru said, adding, “It is common in rural areas for members to entrust their ID cards and receipts to party representatives for photocopying due to limited access to such services.”
Despite attempts to engage local authorities and the provincial governor, the party reported no response. Niyonkuru has called for the immediate and unconditional release of the detained members, emphasizing that their arrest is an act of electoral intimidation.
The incident comes against a backdrop of growing calls for peaceful and inclusive elections. Previously, Burundi’s Catholic Bishops urged political actors to uphold human dignity, social cohesion, and fairness during the electoral process. “Everyone benefits when elections are conducted with respect for individual freedoms and political diversity,” the Bishops said.
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