{UAH} BURUNDI PRE-COUP PROTESTS - HOW IT HAPPENED
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BURUNDI PRE-COUP PROTESTS - HOW IT HAPPENED
3/3/2015 - Gabriel Rufyiri the head of the country's anti graft organisation (OLUCOME) warned about a plan to carry out acts of violence designed to tarnish the image of civil society.
15/3/2015 - wife of the leader of the main opposition party Agathon Gwasa survives assassination but shot and injured. Note: earlier on Feb 28th the wife of Gen Niyombare (the attempted coup leader) had narrowly survived assassination.
17/3/015 - a leading human rights activist Karaveri Mbonimpa of APRODH issued a statement alleging that there was a list of 13 people who were being targeted for assassination. Among them civil society and political activists.
18/03/2015 - In the northern province of Kirundo bordering with Rwanda, some few Burundian families are fleeing to Rwanda citing fear for their lives due to the ruling party youth wingers (Imbonerakure) being given military drills and armed. They further alleged that the men are being ordered to get bows and arrows failure of which a fine of 5000 Bu-Francs is imposed. Minister of Internal Affairs downplays the incident arguing that its a repeat of the same election rumours as had been the case during the 2005 and 2010 elections.
19/3/2015 - The OLCOME chief alleges that he is placed under surveillance and receiving threatening telephone messages for exposing the corruption in the land grabbing and inappropriate disposal of public property in the capital.
25/3/2015 - Defense Minister appealed to the members of the security forces to remain neutral in the upcoming elections and to respect the people's choice. No wonder, he was dismissed after the foiled coup.
29/3/2015 - opposition leader of ADC Ikibiri, Leonse Ndikumana complained about countrywide military drills for ruling party youths (imbonerakuri).
31/3/2015 - MP for Ruyigi province and former Minister Moise Buchumi who had been chased from the ruling party for opposing the 3rd term had his residence searched by the Police for arms.
1/4/015 - war veterans issued a statement in support of President Nkurunziza's third term bid and promised
not to participate in the impending protests.
2/4/2015 - Managing Director of RPA radio station Bob Rugarika placed under surveillance after being released from detention over information pertaining to the murder of three Italian Nuns. He had just survived kidnap from Muramvya prison at night.
2/4/015 - Rwanda sets up two reception centers in Buesera and Nyanza for refugees fleeing the Burundi northern province of Kirundo.
2/4/2015 - Human rights chief Claver Mbonimpa promises to lead protests against President Nkurunziza's third term bid.
7/4/2015 - at one of the internally displaced peoples camp in the Kanyoshya Commune of Bujumbura city, anonymous letters alleging that ruling party officials were holding night meetings with Imbonerakure and issuing them with guns and lists of people to be killed are circulated.30 hand grenades areRECOVERED
from a certain location in the rural Bujumbura.
8/4/2015 - President Nkurunziza visits the northern province of Kirundo and issues an ultimatum for refugees who have fled to Rwanda to return home. The refugees in Rwanda respond by challenging Nkurunziza to solve the problem threats by the Imbonerakure against Tutsi and those opposed to the ruling party, retrieve the ID cards issued to non citizens.
9/4/2015 - Juvent Nduwimana, the soldier who implicated the former Intelligence chief Gen Adolph Nhimirimana in the murder of the three Italian Nuns is withdrawn from the Somali peace keeping mission and imprisoned.
10/4/015 - the Minister of Internal Affairs after visiting the Burundian refugees in Rwanda categorises the refugees into those Twa who ran away from famine, the criminals escaping justice and the few others who have political related grievances.
10/4/2015 - Capt Evariste Nkuyehanzi the former chief body guard to the dismissed Gen Niyombare (foiled coup leader) is kidnapped while driving the Gen's personal car in town.
10/4/2015 - Imbonerakure and other ruling party members demonstrate in Bujumbura in support of the third term for President Nkurunziza.
10/4/2015 - government of India advised its citizens to leave Burundi by April 30th for fear of looming violence.
16/4/2015 - anonymous letters purporting to have been signed by President Nkurunziza are circulating in Muyinga province with a message threatening those who are opposed to the third term. Journalists are also threatened. Office of the President issues a statement denies the rumours of violence.
21/4/2015 - three unidentified dead bodies areRECOVERED in the Carama area of Kinama in Bujumbura city.
21/4/2015 - soldiers undergoing training exercise for peace keeping are withdrawn and exercise stopped so that they ready for helping the police in keeping the May/June election security.
21/4/2015 - the number of refugees fleeing to Rwanda reach 8500.
22/4/2015 - Government of Rwanda shifts Burundian refugees from near the common border in Nyanza to Mihama in Kalehe. Those in Bugesera and Rusizi to be shifted later.
25/4/2015 - Rwanda government grants prima-facie refugee status (automatic recognition) to 11,000 Burundi refugees. The Rwanda Ministry for Refugees reports an average of 800 refugees being received per day.
26/4/2015 President Nkurunziza is chosen as the ruling party flag bearer for the June 2015 presidential elections. Tension characterised by protests erupt in the capital Bujumbura. The Ministers of Internal Affairs, security, Information and in the company of the Chief Prosecutor visited independent RPA radio station that was leading in broadcasting the protests that had just erupted in the city. Police searched the station for arms before disconnecting all its landline telephone connections. In Bujumbura's Bwiza commune Police order for the closure of Mwijabe market but local defy and in the ensuing scuffle one person is shod dead by Police while another one is injured. In central Bujumbura civilians are gathering and barricading roads. Police is using water canons to disperse them but it is thin on the ground as a larger number is engaged in the suburbs trying to contain the protesters from reaching the city center.
27/4/2015 - protests resume with many residents from Bujumbura Rural joining the epicenter in Musaga. Police is stoned by protesters, vehicles burnt near the military barracks of Muha. From Kanyoshya commune, protesters went through 12th Street of Kinanira commune in an effort to reach the city center. n the road behind Muha barracks in Musaga, protesters clash with Police, teargas is blown back by the wind to the police lines thus chocking many. Columns of soldiers pass by the protesters on 1st and 2nd Street where they are applauded with clapping. One protester is shot bin the neck and foot by Police. Stoning by protesters intensify and Red Cross is assisting the injured. Police is visibly exhausted, 26 protesters are arrested by Police (including women and children). Shops are closed and protests spread to 3rd street. At 6.00 p.m protests cease. Imbonerakure hold a meeting as heavy deployment of soldiers is witnessed.
27/4/2015 - refugees fleeing to Rwanda increase to 4000 per day and totals 20408 with others received by their families not included. Reception centres maintained in Bugesera, Ngoma, Karehe, Gisagara, Nyanza and Rusizi.
27/4/2015 - Peter Mbonimpa of APRODH (human rights) and Francois Bizimana the FNL Spokesman are arrested by intelligence. Police and intelligence invade, manhandle journalists and close their media centre (Maison de la Presse) where media houses had converged for a press briefing from Mbonimpa. Police refused to talk to the media leadership. Radio RPA branch in Ngozi province is closed down on orders of the Regional Commissioner. In Gitega province, at Giswahili zone confrontation between protesters and the police left 2 members of FNL arrested and students forced to enter classrooms. In Bujumbura city, the residents had had sleepless nights due to fear of rumours of Rwandese FDRL/Interahamwe having come to help the ruling party quell protests. The Police Chief dismissed that rumour arguing that Burundi Police personnel hailing from the northern provinces bordering with Rwanda speak with a Kinyarwanda accent. Five protesters had been killed and over 200 arrested. In Kanyosha commune a radio Bonyesha journalist narrowly survived being killed by Imbonerakure as the District Commissioner looked on. Nine journalists so far manhandled by Police while Radio RPA journalists Niyongabo and Ntibandetse had their houses destroyed by Imbonerakure. Security organisations unveiled a grand election security plan and urged the public to avail the authorities with information pertaining to alleged information being given to party loyalists. Protesters allege the presence of Interahamwe and Imbonerakure dressed in Police uniform. Some protesters in Musaga alleged that they had even arrested one such Interahamwe.
28/4/2015 - Radion RPA closed down after the Minister of information accused it of inciting the protests. Radios Bonesha and Isanganiro had their broadcasts restricted to Bujumbura city. Social media connections shut down. Rumours that the protests are orchestrated and dominated by Tutsi circulates in Musaga which is the epicentre of the protests. Police fires live ammunition but the army is not happy and opts to provide a buffer zone between the protesters and the Police. The army orders the Police to restrict its operation along the main roads and not to enter the streets. Near St Anna catholic mission, stone throwing intensifies and the protesters overpower the visibly exhausted police who are chased with several injured.
29/4/2015 - A police water canon truck overturns after falling into a ditch and destroyed an adjacent residential house in Bwiza commune. Several of the security big shots came to see the accident. A Burundi ECO journalist Protais Mudasigwa seriously beaten by intelligence operatives while he covered that accident. In Musaga protesters arrest someone who was in possession of a pistol. The suspect was putting on a truck suit while underneath he had a military uniform trouser. The suspect had just past the security personnel heading towards the protesters. Another suspected Imbonerakure had been found in possession of an AK 47 rifle. Protesters from the communes of Kanyosha, Kinindo and Musaga make a united front to break police defence lines and reach the city centre but are blocked by police under the command of the Regional Police Commander Ndirakobucca alias Ndakugarika (I 'finish you') injuring four of the protesters. Kinama and Kinindo communes for the first time enter the protests. In Nyakabiga commune there are no commuter buses at all, women and children have all fled leaving only the men and boys who are involved in
protests. There are no markets as all the entry points are barricaded. Burning tyre and stones are in the roads. In the evenings the Police, Imbonerakure and Intelligence operatives come to kidnap suspected ring leaders.
30/4/2015 - Over 600 University of Bujumbura students flee and seek asylum at the USA embassy. The embassy officials meet the student's representatives but did not grant asylum. The students opted to stay at the embassy premises until their security is guaranteed. In Musaga, three cars are burnt to ashes, six protesters including one dead shot by the police, several injured and arrested. In Kinanira commune, a car carrying Police and Intelligence operatives was burnt by protesters. The Ministry of Defence issued a statement urging the army and Police to cooperate with citizens in handling protests. A nine year child shot by Police is buried. The USA ambassadorCALL upon the government to get a solution for the university students camped at its embassy.
1/5/2015 - The Bujumbura Regional Intelligence Officer accuses the head of OLCOME of hurling grenades in the city. A police patrol car is attacked with grenade leaving two dead. Protests paused for two days.
3/5/2015 - Defence Minister appeals to the politicians to respect the Arusha Peace Agreement and the constitution. Protests resume in Kanyosha and musaga with a joint front line at the Junior Seminary and confronted by Police. They are on the lookout for the notorious former Intelligence Chief Gen Adolphe Nshimirimana who is said to be moving in a military vehicle and shooting at them. They burn tyre, erect barricades andCALL upon the youth to join the protests. A group called Coalition for the Defence of the Arusha Peace Agreement calls upon the Police to respect international humanitarian law. Mwaro and Bururi provinces join the protests - in a confrontation with Police in Matana commune one policeman is injured by protesters at Munyira. In Bujumbura, protesters from Kanyosa, Mugongomanga and Mukika converge at Janda. In Buterere commune the perimeter fence for the residence of the District Commissioner was destroyed by the protesters. One notorious intelligence operative called Kazungu who had gone to arrest a resident was blocked by protesters.
4/5/2015 - In Nyakabiga commune protesters blocked the convoy carrying the First Lady forcing it to take a different route. Protests and shootings in different communes of Bujumbura intensified. In Musaga commune, behind Muha barracks at 1st Street, the visibly tired Police is simply seated under tree shades at their barracks while the protesters are camped 30 meters away singing and holding plackards bearing photos of President Nkurunziza, Intelligence Chief Bynyoni, Gen Adolpe Nshimirimana and RPC Gervois Ndirakobucca alias Ndakugarika who are held responsible for the bloodshed. The protesters express lack of confidence in the Police that is firing at them and hurling grenades. A bloody confrontation is at the Bridge that separates Musaga and Kanyosha.
5/5/2015 - Burial of army Corporal Enfren Hatungimana who had been shot dead by Police on 30th. The assailant Policeman had been part of the Police squad that had been escorting the intelligence officer In-charge for Kanyosha and Musaga a one Dassin Joe. The protesters thereafter had intercepted their vehicle and burnt it before handing over the assailant to the army. In Kanyosha commune, Imbonerakure hurl five grenades at the camp for the internally displaced in Quartier Kajiji injuring an old woman and her two grandchildren. Someone had tricked the protesters by using loudspeaker to gather them purportedly for a messagefrom the UN instead grenades were hurled at the crowds. The Kanyosha commune administrator was present and a vehicle carrying intelligence officer drove through Kanyosha heading to Musaga while spraying bullets. About 100 Imbonerakure move through 7th Street and confront the protesters. One Imbonerakure arrested by protesters and handed over to the army. The protesters overpower the imbonerakure up to the main Buj-Rumonge road.
6/5/2015 - In Kinindo a van carrying bread for sale is intercepted by protesters at Umuco near the university and is set on fire. This is the fourth vehicle to be burnt; the other three belong to the intelligence. In Kinama, one protester is shot dead during the early morning protests and shootings. In cibitoke, protesters chase a soldier who has let the Police to attack them. In Gitega province, a grenade is hurled at a secondary school but no injuries. Earlier on anonymous letters had been sent to the school threatening them to close the school. The Kanyosha commune administrator is pinned for having been part of those who hurled grenades on 30th that injured three people. In Kinama commune, three Imbonerakure hurl a grenade that kills two protesters. Protesters further accuse soldiers of not protecting them before they chased,arrested and badly beat one imbonerakure while others fled to Cibitoke. Protesters followed them up to their house in Cibitoke from where military equipments were recovered. In Nyakabiga one suspected Imbonerakure arrested from near the university, beaten to death and the body burnt beyond recognition. The victim was suspected to have been part of the Imbonerakure who were being deployed by intelligence officer Kazungu. However civilsociety leaders condemn that act of mob justice and appeal to protesters to desist. In Gisozi, a nine year old school boy is shot dead three times by Police.
7/5/2015 - In Musaga north, inteligence operatives are carrying out surveillance on protesters. Protesters set fire on a drinking joint at Muhundukazi before being confronted by the Police and fleeing. Despite the early morning down pour, the protesters are moving cautiously for fear of a heavy deployment of Police who intend to arrest those who had burnt to death one Imbonerakure. However, soldiers are providing a buffer zone. In the afternoon, around the LEO Tel Company head office in the city center, the Police confronts a funeral procession for Arnol Nkurunziza and Pascal who had been shot in Musaga and Nyakabiga respectively. The heavy police deployment under the command of the Bujumbura Regional Police Commander order the procession to turn back and tension gets high with protesters singing the national anthem before the procession accepts to take the route near the Source of the Nile Hotel.
8/5/2015 - The Minister of Defense released a statement by the National Security Council ordering all roads to be opened, all protests to be stopped, schools to open including the University of Bujumbura, and civil servants to report for work within 48 hours. The statement also urged journalists to report accurately and responsibly. The same statement appealed to the diplomatic community to render a helping hand in the upcoming elections. However, the statement appealed to the leaders to respect the freedom of assembly and expression. No wonder, the Minister of defense was dismissed following the foiled coup attempt. In Nyakabiga a confrontation with the Police left two dead and ten injured (including three security personnel) as soldiers simply stood by. Security cleared barricades but protesters returned them immediately after. In some zones residents resort to maintaining their own security while accusing Police and intelligence officers of killing them. Police attack in Nyakabiga leaves two people dead.
10/5/2015 - the 48 hours altmatum by the Minister of Defence has elapsed but the protesters are continuing. In Kinindo and Kanyosha, roads are still barricaded. A PSV was burnt on the BUJ- Rumonge road. On the main road from Musaga to the city center, Police is removing barricades but protesters have devised catpaults to fire stones at them. At the burial of the student
11/5/2015 - In Ngagara commune at its border with Cibitoke, protesters intercepted a PSV ferrying passengers and the driver told them that he was not concerned with the protests before his vehicle was set ablaze. In Kanyosha, at Musama zone two people suspected to be Imbonerakure are killed by their own grenade inside their house. One of them is identified as Christopher who had been notorious for harassing residents. The grenade was among those that were being issued out to Imbonerakure without sufficient weapon handling training. In Kirundo near the International school, residents for the first time get involved in protests demanding for the release of those arrested, the Police to stop killings, and the reopening of the closed radio stations while vowing to reach the city center. In Kanyosha commune, protesters blocked from accessing the main Buj-Rumonge road junction. Teargas and live ammunitions are used on protesters. In Buterere commune, the commune administrator's car is set ablaze while she escapes and flees the commune leaving her residence to be guarded by soldiers. A ruling party branch office is set on fire before one rifle and military fatigue are recovered from the same office. Butere commune had all along desisted from protesting but had now been provoked by the notorious intelligence officer Kazungu who had gone to their area to arrest some residents on allegations that they were in possession of grenades.
12/5/2015 - APRODOH's Claver Mbonimpa issues a statement alleging that there was a secret plan to dress Imbonerakure in army fatigue and sent them to shoot at protesters so as to tarnish the image of the army. In some zones, residents have devised their own security measures through night patrols where by each family provides either one person or 5000 Bu Francs. Some Imbonerakure have joined the protests in Kanyosha but are fearing to be seen by their colleagues. Rsidents are blowing whistles and moving from door to doorCALLING upon residents to join the protests. Men, women and the youth join the move but are blocked at the junction of the main Buj-Rumonge road. At an alternative route, they are also blocked at the bridge separating Kanyosha and Musaga communes. In Musaga, one person is killed and three others injured.
13/5/2015 - President Nkurunziza heads for Tanzania for talks over the crisis. A combined huge processions comprised of protesters from Musaga, Kanyosha and rural Bujumbura are intent on reaching the city center. Gen Niyombare announces that he has taken over government. Huge processions of protesters enter the city center waving the national flag and are confronted by the Police at St Michael near the Ndongozi newspaper. Stone throwing is answered by heavy teargas and live ammunition. The protesters are overpowered and pushed back before they reorganise and take a different route via the Novotel Hotel. RPA radio station is set ablaze by loyalists. Protesters go into jubilation over assumed victory.
OBSERVATIONS
- The protests were and continue to be led by the two human rights activists i.e Pacifique Ninahazwe and Claver Mbonimpa while the oppositionpolitical leaders are silent.
- The protests have not gone beyond Bujumbura simply because in the countryside, the Police, Imbonerakure and the intelligence have so much subdued the population that it cant rise its head.
- Had it not been for the Army, the clashes between the Police/Imbonerakure/Intelligence and the protesters would have been more bloodier.
- The propaganda attempting to link the protests to ethnicity and the Rwandese Interahamwe factor has failed to take root.
- Interestingly, there has not been any form of looting during the protests.
- It was very disgraceful for university students to seek asylum at the USA embassy.
- The situation on the ground did not correspond with the maginitude of refugees fleeing the country.
- Unless the protests specify specific geographical targets and get hold of them, they may not achieve much as they risk getting exhausted and being infiltrated.
- Because of the past civil wars, there are many grenades and fire arms in the hands of locals thus not all the grenades may have been hurled by loyalists.
INFORMATION IS POWER
15/3/2015 - wife of the leader of the main opposition party Agathon Gwasa survives assassination but shot and injured. Note: earlier on Feb 28th the wife of Gen Niyombare (the attempted coup leader) had narrowly survived assassination.
17/3/015 - a leading human rights activist Karaveri Mbonimpa of APRODH issued a statement alleging that there was a list of 13 people who were being targeted for assassination. Among them civil society and political activists.
18/03/2015 - In the northern province of Kirundo bordering with Rwanda, some few Burundian families are fleeing to Rwanda citing fear for their lives due to the ruling party youth wingers (Imbonerakure) being given military drills and armed. They further alleged that the men are being ordered to get bows and arrows failure of which a fine of 5000 Bu-Francs is imposed. Minister of Internal Affairs downplays the incident arguing that its a repeat of the same election rumours as had been the case during the 2005 and 2010 elections.
19/3/2015 - The OLCOME chief alleges that he is placed under surveillance and receiving threatening telephone messages for exposing the corruption in the land grabbing and inappropriate disposal of public property in the capital.
25/3/2015 - Defense Minister appealed to the members of the security forces to remain neutral in the upcoming elections and to respect the people's choice. No wonder, he was dismissed after the foiled coup.
29/3/2015 - opposition leader of ADC Ikibiri, Leonse Ndikumana complained about countrywide military drills for ruling party youths (imbonerakuri).
31/3/2015 - MP for Ruyigi province and former Minister Moise Buchumi who had been chased from the ruling party for opposing the 3rd term had his residence searched by the Police for arms.
1/4/015 - war veterans issued a statement in support of President Nkurunziza's third term bid and promised
not to participate in the impending protests.
2/4/2015 - Managing Director of RPA radio station Bob Rugarika placed under surveillance after being released from detention over information pertaining to the murder of three Italian Nuns. He had just survived kidnap from Muramvya prison at night.
2/4/015 - Rwanda sets up two reception centers in Buesera and Nyanza for refugees fleeing the Burundi northern province of Kirundo.
2/4/2015 - Human rights chief Claver Mbonimpa promises to lead protests against President Nkurunziza's third term bid.
7/4/2015 - at one of the internally displaced peoples camp in the Kanyoshya Commune of Bujumbura city, anonymous letters alleging that ruling party officials were holding night meetings with Imbonerakure and issuing them with guns and lists of people to be killed are circulated.30 hand grenades areRECOVERED
from a certain location in the rural Bujumbura.8/4/2015 - President Nkurunziza visits the northern province of Kirundo and issues an ultimatum for refugees who have fled to Rwanda to return home. The refugees in Rwanda respond by challenging Nkurunziza to solve the problem threats by the Imbonerakure against Tutsi and those opposed to the ruling party, retrieve the ID cards issued to non citizens.
9/4/2015 - Juvent Nduwimana, the soldier who implicated the former Intelligence chief Gen Adolph Nhimirimana in the murder of the three Italian Nuns is withdrawn from the Somali peace keeping mission and imprisoned.
10/4/015 - the Minister of Internal Affairs after visiting the Burundian refugees in Rwanda categorises the refugees into those Twa who ran away from famine, the criminals escaping justice and the few others who have political related grievances.
10/4/2015 - Capt Evariste Nkuyehanzi the former chief body guard to the dismissed Gen Niyombare (foiled coup leader) is kidnapped while driving the Gen's personal car in town.
10/4/2015 - Imbonerakure and other ruling party members demonstrate in Bujumbura in support of the third term for President Nkurunziza.
10/4/2015 - government of India advised its citizens to leave Burundi by April 30th for fear of looming violence.
16/4/2015 - anonymous letters purporting to have been signed by President Nkurunziza are circulating in Muyinga province with a message threatening those who are opposed to the third term. Journalists are also threatened. Office of the President issues a statement denies the rumours of violence.
21/4/2015 - three unidentified dead bodies areRECOVERED
in the Carama area of Kinama in Bujumbura city.21/4/2015 - soldiers undergoing training exercise for peace keeping are withdrawn and exercise stopped so that they ready for helping the police in keeping the May/June election security.
21/4/2015 - the number of refugees fleeing to Rwanda reach 8500.
22/4/2015 - Government of Rwanda shifts Burundian refugees from near the common border in Nyanza to Mihama in Kalehe. Those in Bugesera and Rusizi to be shifted later.
25/4/2015 - Rwanda government grants prima-facie refugee status (automatic recognition) to 11,000 Burundi refugees. The Rwanda Ministry for Refugees reports an average of 800 refugees being received per day.
26/4/2015 President Nkurunziza is chosen as the ruling party flag bearer for the June 2015 presidential elections. Tension characterised by protests erupt in the capital Bujumbura. The Ministers of Internal Affairs, security, Information and in the company of the Chief Prosecutor visited independent RPA radio station that was leading in broadcasting the protests that had just erupted in the city. Police searched the station for arms before disconnecting all its landline telephone connections. In Bujumbura's Bwiza commune Police order for the closure of Mwijabe market but local defy and in the ensuing scuffle one person is shod dead by Police while another one is injured. In central Bujumbura civilians are gathering and barricading roads. Police is using water canons to disperse them but it is thin on the ground as a larger number is engaged in the suburbs trying to contain the protesters from reaching the city center.
27/4/2015 - protests resume with many residents from Bujumbura Rural joining the epicenter in Musaga. Police is stoned by protesters, vehicles burnt near the military barracks of Muha. From Kanyoshya commune, protesters went through 12th Street of Kinanira commune in an effort to reach the city center. n the road behind Muha barracks in Musaga, protesters clash with Police, teargas is blown back by the wind to the police lines thus chocking many. Columns of soldiers pass by the protesters on 1st and 2nd Street where they are applauded with clapping. One protester is shot bin the neck and foot by Police. Stoning by protesters intensify and Red Cross is assisting the injured. Police is visibly exhausted, 26 protesters are arrested by Police (including women and children). Shops are closed and protests spread to 3rd street. At 6.00 p.m protests cease. Imbonerakure hold a meeting as heavy deployment of soldiers is witnessed.
27/4/2015 - refugees fleeing to Rwanda increase to 4000 per day and totals 20408 with others received by their families not included. Reception centres maintained in Bugesera, Ngoma, Karehe, Gisagara, Nyanza and Rusizi.
27/4/2015 - Peter Mbonimpa of APRODH (human rights) and Francois Bizimana the FNL Spokesman are arrested by intelligence. Police and intelligence invade, manhandle journalists and close their media centre (Maison de la Presse) where media houses had converged for a press briefing from Mbonimpa. Police refused to talk to the media leadership. Radio RPA branch in Ngozi province is closed down on orders of the Regional Commissioner. In Gitega province, at Giswahili zone confrontation between protesters and the police left 2 members of FNL arrested and students forced to enter classrooms. In Bujumbura city, the residents had had sleepless nights due to fear of rumours of Rwandese FDRL/Interahamwe having come to help the ruling party quell protests. The Police Chief dismissed that rumour arguing that Burundi Police personnel hailing from the northern provinces bordering with Rwanda speak with a Kinyarwanda accent. Five protesters had been killed and over 200 arrested. In Kanyosha commune a radio Bonyesha journalist narrowly survived being killed by Imbonerakure as the District Commissioner looked on. Nine journalists so far manhandled by Police while Radio RPA journalists Niyongabo and Ntibandetse had their houses destroyed by Imbonerakure. Security organisations unveiled a grand election security plan and urged the public to avail the authorities with information pertaining to alleged information being given to party loyalists. Protesters allege the presence of Interahamwe and Imbonerakure dressed in Police uniform. Some protesters in Musaga alleged that they had even arrested one such Interahamwe.
28/4/2015 - Radion RPA closed down after the Minister of information accused it of inciting the protests. Radios Bonesha and Isanganiro had their broadcasts restricted to Bujumbura city. Social media connections shut down. Rumours that the protests are orchestrated and dominated by Tutsi circulates in Musaga which is the epicentre of the protests. Police fires live ammunition but the army is not happy and opts to provide a buffer zone between the protesters and the Police. The army orders the Police to restrict its operation along the main roads and not to enter the streets. Near St Anna catholic mission, stone throwing intensifies and the protesters overpower the visibly exhausted police who are chased with several injured.
29/4/2015 - A police water canon truck overturns after falling into a ditch and destroyed an adjacent residential house in Bwiza commune. Several of the security big shots came to see the accident. A Burundi ECO journalist Protais Mudasigwa seriously beaten by intelligence operatives while he covered that accident. In Musaga protesters arrest someone who was in possession of a pistol. The suspect was putting on a truck suit while underneath he had a military uniform trouser. The suspect had just past the security personnel heading towards the protesters. Another suspected Imbonerakure had been found in possession of an AK 47 rifle. Protesters from the communes of Kanyosha, Kinindo and Musaga make a united front to break police defence lines and reach the city centre but are blocked by police under the command of the Regional Police Commander Ndirakobucca alias Ndakugarika (I 'finish you') injuring four of the protesters. Kinama and Kinindo communes for the first time enter the protests. In Nyakabiga commune there are no commuter buses at all, women and children have all fled leaving only the men and boys who are involved in
protests. There are no markets as all the entry points are barricaded. Burning tyre and stones are in the roads. In the evenings the Police, Imbonerakure and Intelligence operatives come to kidnap suspected ring leaders.
30/4/2015 - Over 600 University of Bujumbura students flee and seek asylum at the USA embassy. The embassy officials meet the student's representatives but did not grant asylum. The students opted to stay at the embassy premises until their security is guaranteed. In Musaga, three cars are burnt to ashes, six protesters including one dead shot by the police, several injured and arrested. In Kinanira commune, a car carrying Police and Intelligence operatives was burnt by protesters. The Ministry of Defence issued a statement urging the army and Police to cooperate with citizens in handling protests. A nine year child shot by Police is buried. The USA ambassadorCALL
upon the government to get a solution for the university students camped at its embassy.1/5/2015 - The Bujumbura Regional Intelligence Officer accuses the head of OLCOME of hurling grenades in the city. A police patrol car is attacked with grenade leaving two dead. Protests paused for two days.
3/5/2015 - Defence Minister appeals to the politicians to respect the Arusha Peace Agreement and the constitution. Protests resume in Kanyosha and musaga with a joint front line at the Junior Seminary and confronted by Police. They are on the lookout for the notorious former Intelligence Chief Gen Adolphe Nshimirimana who is said to be moving in a military vehicle and shooting at them. They burn tyre, erect barricades andCALL
upon the youth to join the protests. A group called Coalition for the Defence of the Arusha Peace Agreement calls upon the Police to respect international humanitarian law. Mwaro and Bururi provinces join the protests - in a confrontation with Police in Matana commune one policeman is injured by protesters at Munyira. In Bujumbura, protesters from Kanyosa, Mugongomanga and Mukika converge at Janda. In Buterere commune the perimeter fence for the residence of the District Commissioner was destroyed by the protesters. One notorious intelligence operative called Kazungu who had gone to arrest a resident was blocked by protesters.4/5/2015 - In Nyakabiga commune protesters blocked the convoy carrying the First Lady forcing it to take a different route. Protests and shootings in different communes of Bujumbura intensified. In Musaga commune, behind Muha barracks at 1st Street, the visibly tired Police is simply seated under tree shades at their barracks while the protesters are camped 30 meters away singing and holding plackards bearing photos of President Nkurunziza, Intelligence Chief Bynyoni, Gen Adolpe Nshimirimana and RPC Gervois Ndirakobucca alias Ndakugarika who are held responsible for the bloodshed. The protesters express lack of confidence in the Police that is firing at them and hurling grenades. A bloody confrontation is at the Bridge that separates Musaga and Kanyosha.
5/5/2015 - Burial of army Corporal Enfren Hatungimana who had been shot dead by Police on 30th. The assailant Policeman had been part of the Police squad that had been escorting the intelligence officer In-charge for Kanyosha and Musaga a one Dassin Joe. The protesters thereafter had intercepted their vehicle and burnt it before handing over the assailant to the army. In Kanyosha commune, Imbonerakure hurl five grenades at the camp for the internally displaced in Quartier Kajiji injuring an old woman and her two grandchildren. Someone had tricked the protesters by using loudspeaker to gather them purportedly for a messagefrom the UN instead grenades were hurled at the crowds. The Kanyosha commune administrator was present and a vehicle carrying intelligence officer drove through Kanyosha heading to Musaga while spraying bullets. About 100 Imbonerakure move through 7th Street and confront the protesters. One Imbonerakure arrested by protesters and handed over to the army. The protesters overpower the imbonerakure up to the main Buj-Rumonge road.
6/5/2015 - In Kinindo a van carrying bread for sale is intercepted by protesters at Umuco near the university and is set on fire. This is the fourth vehicle to be burnt; the other three belong to the intelligence. In Kinama, one protester is shot dead during the early morning protests and shootings. In cibitoke, protesters chase a soldier who has let the Police to attack them. In Gitega province, a grenade is hurled at a secondary school but no injuries. Earlier on anonymous letters had been sent to the school threatening them to close the school. The Kanyosha commune administrator is pinned for having been part of those who hurled grenades on 30th that injured three people. In Kinama commune, three Imbonerakure hurl a grenade that kills two protesters. Protesters further accuse soldiers of not protecting them before they chased,arrested and badly beat one imbonerakure while others fled to Cibitoke. Protesters followed them up to their house in Cibitoke from where military equipments were recovered. In Nyakabiga one suspected Imbonerakure arrested from near the university, beaten to death and the body burnt beyond recognition. The victim was suspected to have been part of the Imbonerakure who were being deployed by intelligence officer Kazungu. However civilsociety leaders condemn that act of mob justice and appeal to protesters to desist. In Gisozi, a nine year old school boy is shot dead three times by Police.
7/5/2015 - In Musaga north, inteligence operatives are carrying out surveillance on protesters. Protesters set fire on a drinking joint at Muhundukazi before being confronted by the Police and fleeing. Despite the early morning down pour, the protesters are moving cautiously for fear of a heavy deployment of Police who intend to arrest those who had burnt to death one Imbonerakure. However, soldiers are providing a buffer zone. In the afternoon, around the LEO Tel Company head office in the city center, the Police confronts a funeral procession for Arnol Nkurunziza and Pascal who had been shot in Musaga and Nyakabiga respectively. The heavy police deployment under the command of the Bujumbura Regional Police Commander order the procession to turn back and tension gets high with protesters singing the national anthem before the procession accepts to take the route near the Source of the Nile Hotel.
8/5/2015 - The Minister of Defense released a statement by the National Security Council ordering all roads to be opened, all protests to be stopped, schools to open including the University of Bujumbura, and civil servants to report for work within 48 hours. The statement also urged journalists to report accurately and responsibly. The same statement appealed to the diplomatic community to render a helping hand in the upcoming elections. However, the statement appealed to the leaders to respect the freedom of assembly and expression. No wonder, the Minister of defense was dismissed following the foiled coup attempt. In Nyakabiga a confrontation with the Police left two dead and ten injured (including three security personnel) as soldiers simply stood by. Security cleared barricades but protesters returned them immediately after. In some zones residents resort to maintaining their own security while accusing Police and intelligence officers of killing them. Police attack in Nyakabiga leaves two people dead.
10/5/2015 - the 48 hours altmatum by the Minister of Defence has elapsed but the protesters are continuing. In Kinindo and Kanyosha, roads are still barricaded. A PSV was burnt on the BUJ- Rumonge road. On the main road from Musaga to the city center, Police is removing barricades but protesters have devised catpaults to fire stones at them. At the burial of the student
11/5/2015 - In Ngagara commune at its border with Cibitoke, protesters intercepted a PSV ferrying passengers and the driver told them that he was not concerned with the protests before his vehicle was set ablaze. In Kanyosha, at Musama zone two people suspected to be Imbonerakure are killed by their own grenade inside their house. One of them is identified as Christopher who had been notorious for harassing residents. The grenade was among those that were being issued out to Imbonerakure without sufficient weapon handling training. In Kirundo near the International school, residents for the first time get involved in protests demanding for the release of those arrested, the Police to stop killings, and the reopening of the closed radio stations while vowing to reach the city center. In Kanyosha commune, protesters blocked from accessing the main Buj-Rumonge road junction. Teargas and live ammunitions are used on protesters. In Buterere commune, the commune administrator's car is set ablaze while she escapes and flees the commune leaving her residence to be guarded by soldiers. A ruling party branch office is set on fire before one rifle and military fatigue are recovered from the same office. Butere commune had all along desisted from protesting but had now been provoked by the notorious intelligence officer Kazungu who had gone to their area to arrest some residents on allegations that they were in possession of grenades.
12/5/2015 - APRODOH's Claver Mbonimpa issues a statement alleging that there was a secret plan to dress Imbonerakure in army fatigue and sent them to shoot at protesters so as to tarnish the image of the army. In some zones, residents have devised their own security measures through night patrols where by each family provides either one person or 5000 Bu Francs. Some Imbonerakure have joined the protests in Kanyosha but are fearing to be seen by their colleagues. Rsidents are blowing whistles and moving from door to doorCALLING
upon residents to join the protests. Men, women and the youth join the move but are blocked at the junction of the main Buj-Rumonge road. At an alternative route, they are also blocked at the bridge separating Kanyosha and Musaga communes. In Musaga, one person is killed and three others injured.13/5/2015 - President Nkurunziza heads for Tanzania for talks over the crisis. A combined huge processions comprised of protesters from Musaga, Kanyosha and rural Bujumbura are intent on reaching the city center. Gen Niyombare announces that he has taken over government. Huge processions of protesters enter the city center waving the national flag and are confronted by the Police at St Michael near the Ndongozi newspaper. Stone throwing is answered by heavy teargas and live ammunition. The protesters are overpowered and pushed back before they reorganise and take a different route via the Novotel Hotel. RPA radio station is set ablaze by loyalists. Protesters go into jubilation over assumed victory.
OBSERVATIONS
- The protests were and continue to be led by the two human rights activists i.e Pacifique Ninahazwe and Claver Mbonimpa while the oppositionpolitical leaders are silent.
- The protests have not gone beyond Bujumbura simply because in the countryside, the Police, Imbonerakure and the intelligence have so much subdued the population that it cant rise its head.
- Had it not been for the Army, the clashes between the Police/Imbonerakure/Intelligence and the protesters would have been more bloodier.
- The propaganda attempting to link the protests to ethnicity and the Rwandese Interahamwe factor has failed to take root.
- Interestingly, there has not been any form of looting during the protests.
- It was very disgraceful for university students to seek asylum at the USA embassy.
- The situation on the ground did not correspond with the maginitude of refugees fleeing the country.
- Unless the protests specify specific geographical targets and get hold of them, they may not achieve much as they risk getting exhausted and being infiltrated.
- Because of the past civil wars, there are many grenades and fire arms in the hands of locals thus not all the grenades may have been hurled by loyalists.
INFORMATION IS POWER
Posted by Uganda - A Change of Guards! a
Viele GruBe
Robukui
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