NGOZI, May 2 (ABP) – The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (CVR) organized, on Friday April 24, 2026 in the commune of Ngozi, a meeting for discussions with administrative authorities, religious leaders from the province of Butanyerera, as well as certain notable figures who were victims of discrimination based on ethnicity, region, or other factors in 1972.
In his speech, the chairman of the CVR, Pierre Claver Ndayicariye, stated that the purpose of the meeting was to thoroughly analyze the sensitive issue of discrimination in national life by examining the past, understanding the present, and preparing for the future.
He specified that this issue is included in the law governing the CVR, which led the country’s institutions to consider it necessary to study it so that Burundi and its people can understand the difficulties that have marked their history.
In this regard, he recalled that countries facing conflicts often experience a high level of discrimination, characterized by fragile justice systems, social divisions, and ineffective development policies.
In Burundi, he emphasized, cases of discrimination have been observed on ethnic, regional, and family bases, creating the impression that some citizens are superior to others. Investigations already carried out by the CVR have revealed that these discriminations contributed to the 1972 genocide, as well as to serious conflicts, violence, and suffering among the population.
During testimonies, several speakers, including Salvator Ngendabanyikwa, Laurent Kavakure, Al Hadj Harouna Nkunduwiga, and Libérate Nicayenzi, recounted the discrimination they experienced. They notably mentioned discriminatory practices in schools based on religious, ethnic, or regional affiliation.
Witnesses also denounced the ethnic classification of students through the labels “U” for Hutu and “I” for Tutsi in school records. According to them, these practices prevented merit-based evaluation and limited access to studies or desired fields. Regarding employment, they indicated that the authorities in power at the time justified the exclusion of certain population groups by invoking a lack of capacity, particularly for joining the army, which led to the dominance of a single ethnic group within the Burundian armed forces.
Furthermore, Libérate Nicayenzi, from the Twa community, testified that she was a victim of discrimination at school because of her ethnic background.
Participants welcomed the progress achieved with the establishment of the CVR, tasked with establishing the truth and promoting reconciliation among Burundians, with the aim of healing the wounds of the past and building lasting peace, security, and unity.
On this occasion, the chairperson of the CVR called on anyone holding information about Burundi’s painful past to show courage in revealing it, considering that this contributes to individual and collective healing.
He also warned against false testimonies, emphasizing that truth is essential for freedom and peace. He added that those who have acknowledged their wrongdoings and asked for forgiveness now live in peace, having begun a process of healing. He finally urged the people to testify sincerely so that truth may prevail over falsehood and help consolidate lasting peace.
In conclusion, the chairman of the CVR thanked the witnesses for their accounts, stressing that knowledge of these facts is essential for generations who did not experience them. He also acknowledged that some victims still hesitate to speak publicly due to trauma, calling for understanding and support for them.