Some Burundian refugees in Belgium, including prominent political figures, have announced that they will take up arms against the government of their home country, led by the CNDD-FDD party. They claim that all other peaceful avenues have been ignored by the current regime.
Those who made the declaration include political parties in exile such as CFOR-Arusha, CNR Ingeri Yarugamba, and MAP Burundi Buhire—all of which oppose President Evariste Ndayishimiye’s government.
In a recent meeting held in Brussels, Belgium, leaders of these opposition parties declared that the recent elections were riddled with fraud and highlighted the dire living conditions of Burundian citizens.
One of the leaders of these political movements seeking to launch an armed struggle is Frederic Bamvuginyumvira, a former Vice President of Burundi (1998–2001) and current President of CFOR-Arusha. He told the media that they had resolved to take up arms to fight against what they call a failed leadership.
He said:
“Given what we are entering into, there is no reason why anyone wouldn’t say ‘let’s take up arms.’ This regime does not even tolerate the slightest dissent.”
He explained that these Burundian politicians in exile have decided to join forces and take up arms to overthrow the Gitega government, which he says neglects its citizens and refuses dialogue with the opposition to build the country’s future.
He added that they are reaching out to people inside Burundi who are willing to risk everything to fight for their nation. He argued that citizens have a right to fight the government when it fails to fulfill its responsibilities.
“When a government violates human rights, the people have the right to rise up and overthrow it,” he said, insisting they would do whatever it takes to implement their plan.
This new armed front joins a list of existing armed groups opposing the Burundian government, such as Red-Tabara, FOREBU, and others.
Earlier in March this year, another political group, FRB-Abarundi, announced that it had joined forces with UPR and UPF to oppose the Gitega regime, which they accused of human rights abuses and failing to serve the people.
