Agathon Rwasa

Ce site web publie les atrocités des rebelles FNL du Burundi et mène une campagne pour traduire en justice le dirigeant des FNL, Agathon Rwasa. Nous essayons aussi de mettre à nue la question d'impunité en génerale. This website aims to highlight atrocities by the Burundian FNL rebels, and campaigns to see FNL leader Agathon Rwasa brought to justice. We also aim to highlight the issue of impunity worldwide.

Monday, October 31, 2005

"The time of recreation is over", says Burundian government, as another FNL "last chance" deadline passes

The FNL's latest "last chance to engage in peace talks" has passed, like all others before it, without any serious response from the FNL leadership. At the moment it's not even clear who the FNL's leaders actually are, in the wake of reports that Agathon Rwasa had been booted out and fled to be with his friends in Tanzania. Will the FNL come to the negotiating table? Or will they do what they did last year and orchestrate another big massacre, confident in the knowledge that the Burundian government and the international community will offer them another "last chance" before too long? Or will this finally be the moment that Burundi's government says "enough is enough"? Government spokesman Karenga Ramadhani certainly seems to be talking tough. "The current government is led by people who have been some time in the bush, we know where the FNL strong bases are, so it is just a question of time". He's got to have a point there - the ranks of Burundi's army have just been swelled with tens of thousands of former FDD rebels. It does seem a trifle bizarre that a small, Tanzanian-funded force of 3,000 Hutu extremists should cause quite such a problem.


Click here for full reuters report.


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Sunday, October 30, 2005

Family of FNL victim condemns torture of FNL suspects

Burundi's leading human rights organisation, Ligue Iteka, has alleged systematic torture of suspected FNL members by the Burundian Police. Describing torture as a "sad reality" in Burundi's prisons, Iteka reported that dozens of FNL suspects have been arrested in recent weeks, and that many have been severely beaten in order to extract confessions:

http://www.ligue-iteka.africa-web.org/article.php3?id_article=688

Iteka has also been active recently in highlighting atrocites by the FNL.

The family of Charlotte Wilson, the British aid worker murdered by FNL forces in the December 2000 "Titanic Express" massacre, who have campaigned for the FNL leadership to be prosecuted for Crimes Against Humanity, today condemned the reported torture.

"Much as we want to see the FNL brought to justice for what they have done, this is not the way. Torture is always wrong, it doesn't work, and it's against international law. Rather than torturing suspected FNL foot soldiers, we urge the Burundian government to arrest the organisation's leaders, and prosecute them for Crimes Against Humanity. We urge the Burundian authorities not to torture anyone."

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Friday, October 28, 2005

"In Burundi people have been killing people. Nobody talks about Burundi" - real-life hero of Hotel Rwanda urges action on Burundi, Sudan, and Congo

http://www3.cjad.com/content/cp_article.asp?id=/global_feeds/CanadianPress/EntertainmentNews/e10289A.htm

The man whose work to save 1,200 refugees from death squads in Rwanda's 1994 genocide was featured in the movie Hotel Rwanda urged Americans to press their government to help stop wars in Africa.

"Stand up and let your leaders know all that is happening all over Africa," said Paul Rusesabagina in a speech at Iowa State University. "What we need is you, as a stronger country, to help them to talk, bring negotiations, discussion and dialogue," he said Wednesday. In Rwanda's genocide, an estimated 800,000 to 900,000 people were killed in just 100 days.

Rusesabagina criticized the UN and western countries for not stepping in to stop the killing and said the world's most powerful and wealthiest nations continue to ignore atrocities.

He said a bloody war in the Congo has taken nearly one million lives since 1996.

"Nobody lifts a finger to save them," he said.

"In Burundi people have been killing people. Nobody talks about Burundi," he said.

In Darfur, a region of western Sudan, millions have been displaced and sleep in the harsh temperature extremes of the open desert with no food, clothing or shelter, he said.

"That is a shame to mankind," he said.

The United Nations has since set up an international tribunal to prosecute war criminals in the Rwandan genocide, and western countries have sent in millions of dollars of aid.

Rusesabagina, now 51, was manager of the Mille Collines Hotel in the Rwandan capital of Kigali when the country's president died in an airplane crash on April 6, 1994, prompting the collapse of the peace agreement between the Hutu-led Rwandan government and Tutsi guerrillas.

That night, Hutu-led forces began the mass killing of Tutsis and moderate Hutus. Hutus were the majority in the country, but Tutsis were traditionally the rulers.

Rusesabagina moved to Belgium in 1996 where he lives with his wife, his three children and two children of slain family members.

However, he said Belgium's colonization of his country caused the fighting between Hutus and Tutsis that sparked the slaying.

The small central African country was ruled by kings until Belgian troops took control of the country in 1915. In the 1950s, Belgian rule encouraged fighting between the majority Hutus to overtake the ruling Tutsis, he said.

"Instead of improving, instead of making it better, instead of thinking about a better future, they made it worse," said Rusesabagina, who is a Hutu.

Hutus and Tutsis shared the same culture, the same religion and language but the division created by outside forces turned them against one another over decades, he said.

Three events contributed to hate that culminated in the massive slaughter in 1994: Hutu concentration camps in the late 1950s, a genocide in the 1970s in which 300,000 Hutus were killed and a war brought into Rwanda from Uganda in the early 1990s.

On the night the genocide began, Rusesabagina took his family to the hotel and provided sanctuary for more than 1,200 others, including orphaned children fleeing the death squads, who wielded machetes and other weapons.

As a Hutu, Rusesabagina was safe, but his wife, a Tutsi, and his children were not. As depicted in the film Hotel Rwanda, he used his influence as a well-known businessman and bribery - with alcohol, cigars and money - to keep the killing squads at bay.

He said he was invited to join the Hutu forces but refused.

"I made a different choice," he said. "I decided not to fight with the guns, but rather with my mouth. That is the best weapon."



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Wednesday, October 26, 2005

Rwandan genocidaires say that alleged link to Rwasa's FNL is "tarnishing" their image

Too nasty even for the butchers of 1994? The FDLR, a Congo-based group made up of remnants of the forces which carried out the Rwandan genocide, have been eager to deny reports of links with Rwasa's FNL.

Bujumbura, Burundi, 10/24 - The rebel Democratic Forces for Rwanda Liberation (FDLR) Sunday denied collaborating with Burundi`s National Liberation Front (FNL) to destabilise the Kigali and Bujumbura regimes by military means.

Rwandan interior minister Protais Musoni made the allegation this week during a visit to Burundi, while the Chief of FNL dissident wing, Jean Bosco Sindayigaya, has also made similar charges against the FDLR.

But FDLR spokesman Major Edmond Ngarambe told the private African Public Radio (RPA) here via telephone from the group`s eastern DR Congo hideouts that the Rwandan group had had no links with the FNL wing headed by Agathon Rwasa, the only rebel movement yet to recognise the elected Bujumbura regime.

"Since our establishment in eastern DR Congo, we have not had any contact with a single FNL leader," Ngarambe stressed, adding that the FDLR was among the first groups to congratulate the new regime in Bujumbura upon its election.

He described the assertions as "false allegations aimed at tarnishing the image and struggle of FDLR, and legitimising an attack against our movement".

FDLR comprises mainly former government soldiers and Interahamwe militiamen who allegedly bear key responsibility for the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, before fleeing to eastern DR Congo in the wake of the triumphant advance of the Rwanda Patriotic Front (FPR), which has now assumed power through the ballot box in Kigali.

Although still armed, FDLR members consider themselves political refugees, spokesman Ngarambe pointed out.
http://www.angolapress-angop.ao/noticia-e.asp?ID=385871

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Thursday, October 20, 2005

FNL kill twenty civilians since early September, government kill eleven

Rwasa booted out and on the run - JUSTICE NOW! - Click here to help strip Rwasa of his immunity


Rwasa (right) is greeted in Dar Es Salaam by the Tanzanian president Benjamin Mkapa, months after an arrest warrant was issued against the FNL leader for "crimes against humanity and war crimes".

Twenty civilians have died at the hands of the FNL since early September, according to the Burundian human rights group Ligue Iteka.

The group has also raised concerns about eleven killings by government forces, together with reports of torture and arbitrary arrests.

There has been no further news on the whereabouts of Agathon Rwasa, who was reportedly deposed by a pro-peace faction of the FNL eight days ago.

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Wednesday, October 19, 2005

Rwasa's shameful litany - demand justice for the forgotten victims

Rwasa booted out and on the run - JUSTICE NOW! - Click here to help strip Rwasa of his immunity


Face of a killer: Rwasa (left) gives a press conference in Tanzania, nine months after an international warrant was issued for his arrest, on charges of "crimes against humanity and war crimes".

To know Agathon Rwasa is also to know about his victims. Below is a sample of crimes pending against Rwasa. They are well-documented from Burundian newspapers.

It is appalling to realize that in a few months, no less than 161 violent deaths were ordered or approved by Agathon Rwasa (as PALIPEHUTU-FNL president and commander-in-chief). We should also remember the more than 100 wounded, some with incurable mutilations. One day or another, the man should get what he deserves: trial.
-"NERON"

Year 2000

- Jan.02. SRDI Gihanga. FNL ambush a civilian truck, killing 4 persons and wounding 11
- Jan. 09. Kagwema, RN5 (Bubanza). Attack on a civilian minivan: 3 killed, 4 wounded
- Jan. 18. Kamenge (Capital city). FNL raids a household, killing 1 person
- Jan. 21. Gatura (Bubanza). Attack on a civilian transport car: 1 person killed
- Jan. 26. Kabezi (Bujumbura Rural). Attack on a civilian transportation car, killing 3
persons among whom a 70-yr old woman.
.Gitaza, (Bujumbura Rural). Attack on an IDP camp. 2 people killed
- Feb. 06. Gihanga, Bubanza. Ambush on a jeep, killing the driver and setting the car afire
- Feb. 14. Ruziba, (Bujumbura Rural). Attack on civilian populations, accuse of collaborating with the army. 4 persons killed, 3 seriously wounded
- Feb. 25. Kajeke RN5 (Bubanza). FNL ambush a civilian transportation vehicle, killing 2 people and wounded another 6
. Rutunga. RN3 Ambush on a civil transportation vehicle, killing 2 persons and abducting the other passengers
- Dec.28. Mageyo (Bujumbura rural). Attack on a civilian transportation bus (Titanic Express): 21 killed (including children), 10 others wounded.

Year 2001


- Oct. 26. ETS Kamenge. (Capital city). High school is attacked, 3 students killed and 12 others wounded
- Nov. 05. Transversales 8-9, RN5 (Bubanza). FNL ambush a business car, taking with them 60 bottles of whisky
- Nov. 15. Gihosha, (Capital city). Attack on civilian cars, killing 6 persons, damaged and a nearby shop looted
- Nov. 28. Mpanda cemetery (Bubanza). Attack on mourners, killed 4, many wounded
- Dec. 02. Buhonga RN 7. (Bujumbura Rural). FNL attack a civilian bus, select the 4 ethnic Tutsi aboard and kill them all (including an old lady )
- Dec. 09. RN7 (between PK 8-9). (Bujumbura Rural). A civilian vehicle is ambushed, 1 person killed, and 2 others wounded.

Year 2002

- Feb. 04. Bubanza. A civilian transportation minivan is attacked, 4 persons are killed, 10 wounded
- Mar. 22. Kamenge (Capital city). Attack on a number of houses in Kavumu, the local office. 2 persons killed
- Apr. 01. Mutanga-Nord, Capital city. Shelling of the neighbourhood, wounding 6 people
Apr. 07. Rutongo, Bujumbura Rural. Kidnapping, then killing the local administrative official
- Apr. 22. Nyamitanga. Grenade attack on civilian populations at Kaburantwa, killing 4 and wounding 3
- May 05. Kabezi, Bujumbura Rural. Grenade attack on a household. 5 people wounded critically
May 06. Nyabibondo. FNL kill 13 people whom they accuse of collaborating with the army. Victims include women and children.
- May 09. Mageyo. RN 1. Four civilian transportation buses are ambushed. 10 persons killed, 2 others seriously wounded
- May 22. Gasozo, RN 1 (Bujumbura Rural). Ambush on a civilian minivan. 9 persons are killed, 3 wounded (Victims incude Rwandans)
- May 25. Nyakibande, Bujumbura Rural. Selective killing of civilians. 3 persons killed
- Jun. 04. Bujumbura, Capital city. FNL and FDD jointly shell the capital city. 2 killed, 6 wounded
- Jun. 11. Mubone, Bujumbura Rural. During a pillage a household, FNL wound 1 person and torch a house
- Jun 14. Murwi, Route Muzenga-Buhayira (Cibitoke). Ambush against a transportation vehicle. 10 persons killed, 2 wounded
- Jun. 30. Ruziba, Bujumbura Rural. FNL attack the town center, killing 6 persons (among whom a woman) and seriously wounding 9
- Jul. 01. Gatumba, Bujumbura Rural. FNL attack civilians accused of collaborating with the army. 2 persons killed, 4 wounded
- Jul .18. Nyaruhunguza, RN1 (Bujumbura Rural). FNL ambush a civil bus, select the only ethnic Tutsi and kill him; the other passengers are only robbed.
- Jul. 22. Kayoyo, Bujumbural Rural. Attack on an IDP, killing 3 and abducting 1
- Aug. 02. Mutanga-Nord , Capital city. Ambush two civilian cars: 2 killed, 1 wounded
- Aug. 11. Gihungwe, Bubanza. FNL atack the local IDP, killing 4 and wounding 2; also gunned to death 14 cows.
- Aug. 22. Ciya, Bubanza. Using small hoes, FNL mutilate 1 person to death and critically wound 2 others
- Aug. 24. Muramba, Bubanza. FNL raid a household, wounding 1 toddler and killing his 2 parents
- Aug. 28. Capital city. Indiscriminate shelling 10 persons wounded.
- Sept. 12. Gihosha, Capital city. Murder of a municipal administrative official
- Sep. 16. Bubanza. Attack on provincial town, killing 6 persons and wounding 20
- Sep. 17. Maramvya, Bujumbura Rural. FNL kill 1 innocent civilian
- Sep. 18. Bitare, Bujumbura Rural. FNL kill 1 civilian whom they accuse of collaborating with the army
- Sep. 20. Murwi, Cibitoke. Ambush on a vehicle, killing 1 person and wounding 4
- Oct. 07. Nyaruhongoka, Bujumbura Rural. FNL kill 1 local administrative official accused of collaborating
- Oct. 12. Kinanira, Capital city. FNL lead a terrorist attack on a pub, kill 3 persons and wound 10; they also kill 4 cows and take 10.
Oct. 14. Nyengwe, Bujumbura Rural. Using axes, FNL hack to death 4 people whom they accuse of collaborating with the army.

This list is a non-exhaustive sample based on media content analysis, covering 2000-2002. We will add to it as more data becomes available. FNL attacks have continued through 2003, 2004 and 2005. The FNL's most notorious massacre, the attack on the Gatumba refugee camp on August 13th 2004, claimed more than 150 lives and received widespread attention. But the FNL's ongoing campaign of smaller massacres is less well known.

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Sunday, October 16, 2005

Rwasa booted out and on the run - JUSTICE NOW

Time is running out for Agathon Rwasa. He has reportedly been sacked at an extraordinary meeting of Palipehutu-FNL in Muyira, Burundi, over his attacks on civilians and continued refusal to engage in peace talks. Following that meeting, this statement was released, announcing Rwasa's removal and denouncing him for a series of gross human rights abuses. More extraordinary still, the FNL statement denounces last year's Gatumba massacre and criticises the world's "silence" over the attack. Rwasa's own comrades are now demanding justice over these atrocities.

Rwasa is reported to have fled to Tanzania, where he has found refuge in the past.

We are now urging all those around the world who have been affected by Rwasa's crimes to write to their local representatives, urging pressure on Tanzania to enforce the international warrant issued in the aftermath of Gatumba, and deliver Agathon Rwasa to justice. Rwasa's Tanzanian friends can no longer claim that arresting him would damage the prospects of peace in Burundi. There are no excuses any more.

Pour ceux qui habitent en Belgique - pour contacter votre senateur:
http://www.senate.be/www/?MIval=/WieIsWie/LijstDerSenatoren&M=1&LANG=fr

Pour ceux qui habitent en France - pour contacter votre senateur: http://www.senat.fr/elus.html

Pour ceux qui habitent au Canada pour contacter votre senateur:
http://www.parl.gc.ca/common/senmemb/senate/isenator.asp?sortord=N&Language=F

ou:
http://66.249.93.104/search?q=cache:PzBkGh7lwNgJ:www.parl.gc.ca/common/senmemb/senate/isenator.asp%3Fsortord%3DN%26Language%3DF+contacter+un+senateur&hl=en

For those in the United Kingdom - to contact your Member of Parliament: www.faxyourmp.com

Pour ceux qui habitent aux Pays Bas (Nederlanden): http://www.eerstekamer.nl/9324000/1/j9vvgh5ihkk7kof/vgiok4iu4rt5?noframes=1

Pour ceux qui habitent au Denmark:

http://www.folketinget.dk

For those in the United States - to contact your Senator: http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm

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FNL sacks and denounces Agathon Rwasa, demands justice for Gatumba - full statement from Palipehutu-FNL

A. Remerciements

Nous, membres et Fondateurs du Palipehutu – FNL, réunis en Assemblée Générale Constituante, ce 8 octobre 2005 à Muyira, rendons d’abord grâces à Dieu, qui a toujours soutenu notre mouvement de libération depuis sa création. Dieu a toujours répondu à nos prières. Nombreux ont été ceux qui ont trébuché. Mais le Seigneur, le Rois des Armées, a toujours pardonné nos pêchés. Quand ils sont devenus noirs comme l’ébène, il les a rendus aussi blancs que la neige. A lui, nous disons Merci. Que son Trône soit pour des temps Indéfinis.

Nous remercions le peuple Burundais qui s’est toujours donné pour sa propre libération. Notre lutte est pour le Peuple. Le Palipehutu – FNL est issu de la volonté du peuple.

Nous remercions la Communauté nationale et Internationale et les amis du Burundi qui nous ont toujours soutenus et conseillés. Qu’ils ne se lassent pas et continuent à nous fournir leurs sages conseils ainsi que leur soutien, dont nous avons tant besoin durant ces durs moments.

B. PREAMBULE
Depuis son indépendance, le Burundi a connu une crise sociale sans précédent. La gestion des rapports entre les communautés ethniques a été mal faite par les régimes qui se sont succédés au pouvoir. Ce comportement des responsables politiques a exacerbé la tension entre les ethnies jusqu’aux massacres répétitifs qui ont inutilement et successivement endeuillé le Burundi en 1965, 1969, 1972, 1988, 1993, etc.·la communauté HUTU était la principale cible et une solution à cette crise sociale tardait à venir.

C. DE LA CREATION DU PALIPEHUTU
Les massacres des hutus en 1972 sous le régime MICOMBERO Michel créèrent une confusion au niveau de l’opinion aussi bien nationale qu’internationale. Ce régime avait préalablement préparé le terrain en instaurant la notion de la négation de l’identité du peuple HUTU. Pour le président MICOMBERO il n’y avait ni hutu ni tutsi‚ mais dans l’entretemps les massacres ne frappaient que les hutus. Afin d’éviter la réédition de 1972? M. GAHUTU Rémi et ses compagnons se réunirent et décidèrent de clamer haut et fort l’existence du peuple hutu à la face du monde. En effet il n’y avait pas moyen de défendre un peuple entrain d’être décimé dans le grand secret en cachant son identité. Ainsi, le Palipehutu (Parti pour la libération du peuple Hutu) fut créé le 18/04/1980.

D. DE SES OBJECTIFS ORIGINAUX
Dès sa création le Palipehutu s’était fixé trois objectifs principaux‚ à savoir :
1. Porter à la connaissance du monde l’injustice sociale érigée en système politique à l’encontre du peuple Hutu majoritaire par le régime minoritaire Tutsi ;
2. Apprendre au peuple Hutu et Twa opprimés les techniques de se libérer du joug des Tutsi ;
3. Lutter contre le système de pouvoir mono ethnique par tous les moyens pour un système politique démocratique respectueux des droits de la personne humaine.
A cet effet‚ il fallait que le Hutu qui était rongé par un réel complexe d’infériorité en soit libéré par une action de lutte pour la conquête de ses droits. L’unité des opprimés devait conduire à la création d’une organisation politique capable de véhiculer les revendications politiques et humanitaires des opprimés dans une lutte pacifique‚ la lutte armée n’intervenant que pour la dissuasion.

E. DE SES MOUVEMENTS INTEGRES
Trois mouvements sont intégrés au Palipehutu ‚ il s’agit de:
1) J.P.H. (Jeunesse Patriotique Hutu)
2) M.F.P.H. (Mouvement des femmes patriotiques Hutu)
3) F.N.L. (Forces Nationales de Libération)
Les deux mouvements (JPH et MFPH) devaient aider à la propagation des idéaux du parti‚ et le FNL, selon le Fondateur du Palipehutu et ses compagnons, était une force de dissuasion pour amener le régime d’alors à accepter les négociations en cas de refus d’une solution pacifique. Bref, le Palipehutu est né en réponse à l’oppression et à la persécution continue des Hutus du Burundi.

F. PROBLEMATIQUE DU PALIPEHUTU
En 1990 le fondateur du Palipehutu, M. GAHUTU Rémi, est assassiné. C’est ainsi qu’apparaît une lutte sans merci à sa succession. Les statuts du Palipehutu stipulaient qu’en cas de disparition inopinée du président du parti‚ le 1er vice-président le remplaçait jusqu’à la tenue d’un congrès qui élirait le nouveau président. A la mort de GAHUTU Rémi‚ Dr KARATASI Etienne devenait de droit président du Palipehutu.
a. Descente aux enfers
Le Palipehutu avait déjà mis sur pied des mouvements intégrés, l’Etat-Major des FNL venait d’être mis sur pied quand le 31/12/1992, Rwasa Agathon et ses pairs décidèrent de passer outre les statuts du parti et firent un coup de force en démettant le Dr KARATASI Etienne. Quelque temps après, Rwasa Agathon prendra les rênes du parti devenu à l’instant même, Palipehutu-FNL. La descente aux enfers venait de commencer. Ainsi, Rwasa débuta son programme fourbe d’éliminer physiquement les leaders éclairés du Palipehutu . Les premières cibles furent les leaders de la première heure, à savoir :
1. NZEYIMANA Ernest, Secrétaire National à l’idéologie et propagande et membre de l’Etat-Major. Il a été tué à la hache dans la localité de Nyabubuye en commune Murwi, province de Cibitoke
2. L’ingénieur civil NTIRABAMPA Antoine, 2ème Vice Président du Palipehutu sous GAHUTU Rémi .Il a été assasiné à coup de massue puis enterré encore vivant dans une maison d’un habitant de Mahande en commune Murwi dans Cibitoke. Cette maison a été ensuite détruite.
3. NTAGISIGAYE Gervais, Secrétaire Général adjoint du Palipehutu - FNL a été tué à coup de hache dans la tête
4. NTAWUHIGANAYO Anicet, Secrétaire National à l’information, porte-parole du parti et G1 de l’Etat-Major des FNL a été tué par Rwasa pour avoir plaidé en faveur des négociations de paix avec le gouvernement de Bujumbura.
A cette occasion M. Niyonzima Alexandre, un des signataires de la lettre ouverte à Pierre Buyoya en 1988 et qui travaillait en suisse pour le compte d’une ONG internationale « DIALOGUE et PAIX» fut sauvagement assassiné pour avoir essayé de convaincre M. Agathon Rwasa d’accepter la voix de la paix. Son frère Hyacinthe NIYIBIGIRA qui l’accompagnait fut lui aussi tué. Ces deux personnes furent ensuite enterrées dans une fosse commune. Les membres de l’Etat-Major des FNL dont les noms suivent ont été aussi exécutés pour avoir conseillé M. Agathon Rwasa d’arrêter les massacres des populations civiles et d’accepter la voie de la paix, il s’agit de :
- MUTOKA-ZIA André
- NTACORIPFA Pascal alias GIHANGANGE
- NGENDAKUMANA Marc alias Rusizi
- NZOSABA Bosco
- GISUMA Jérôme
- MBONIMPA Domitien Alias Kim il sung, G4
Des officiers subalternes furent également tués à coup de massue ou de hache sur ordre de Rwasa pour avoir parlé en faveur de la paix pendant les causeries morales. Il s’agit de:
- HABONIMANA Johnson, Comd cie
- NSAGUYE Salvator Comd cie
- KUBWIMANA Emmanuel, Chef de peloton
- BIGIRIMANA Josaphat, Chef de peloton
- Jean Baptiste, Chef de peloton
ainsi qu’une multitude d’autres officiers, sous officiers, hommes de troupe que nous ne pouvons pas mentionner ici.
Les civils, membres des comités du Palipehutu – FNL ont été aussi exécutés sauvagement pour le m?me motif, entre autres:
- BIGIRIMANA André alias VIMBWE, membre du secrétariat national aux relations extérieures
- Mbandanya Christophe, secrétaire national adjoint à la JPH
- RUBARIKA Joël, membre du comité provincial du Parti dans Bujumbura rural
- NDIKUMWAMI Freddy, agent de liaison entre Agathon Rwasa et Methuselah Nikobamye (surnommé Habimana Pasteur)
La folie meurtrière qui habite Rwasa agathon s’est aussi abattue sur le frère et la soeur du Président fondateur du Palipehutu, M. GAHUTU Rémi, respectivement GAHUTU Prosper et GAHUTU Immaculée. Ils ont étés tués à coup de massue.
b. Massacre des populations civiles
A sa création, le Palipehutu était une réponse à l’oppression et à la persécution du peuple hutu. Aujourd’hui, Agathon Rwasa en a fait un vampire. Des milliers d’enfants, de femmes et d’hommes sont quotidiennement assassinés sous le silence général. Ici le monde
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civilisé est interpellé et doit cesser de considérer Agathon Rwasa comme quelqu’un qui lutte pour une cause quelconque .il a perdu le sens de l’humanité. Les organisations pour la défense des droits de la personne humaine sont priées de briser le silence et d’agir. Il est temps que la lumière soit faite sur les massacres des populations civiles par les FNL d’Agathon Rwasa.
c. Cynisme ou obscurantisme
Il n’y a pas longtemps, des fosses communes contenant plus de trois cent personnes ont étés découvertes dans la province de Bubanza. Ces personnes avaient été tuées sur les ordres de Rwasa Agathon. L’actuel porte-parole de Rwasa, HABIMANA Pasteur (Methuselah NIKOBAMYE de vrai nom) a reconnu à haute voix que ces pauvres citoyens ont étés assassinés par les FNL parce que certains d’entre eux étaient des sorciers, d’autres des collaborateurs de l’armée gouvernementale. Les organisations de défense des droits de la personne humaine se sont tues comme si les mobiles avancés par M. HABIMANA étaient valables. Le monde civilisé doit briser ce silence et aider le Burundi à consolider la paix recouvrée. Il est incompréhensible que le monde se soit tu, après les massacres de Gatumba, qui ont fauché la vie à plus de 170 personnes, et ouvertement revendiqués par le porte-parole de M. Rwasa Agathon, le surnommé HABIMANA Pasteur.
G. CONCLUSION ET RESOLUTIONS
En date du 19/09/2005 nous, membres et combattants du Palipehutu - FNL épris de paix, avons adressé une lettre ouverte à Mme Carolyn McAskie et M. Mamadou Bah, respectivement Représentant du Secrétaire Générale des Nations Unies et de l’Union Africaine au Burundi, dans laquelle nous demandions à ces hautes personnalités de faire tout ce qui est en leur pouvoir pour amener M. Rwasa à la raison pour qu’il arrête la guerre contre la population civile assoiffée de paix et de sécurité.
Après analyse de la situation combien tragique dans laquelle se trouve notre organisation, face à l’intransigeance de M.Rwasa Agathon et son refus de la paix, vu que la guerre est aujourd’hui orientée contre la population civile sans défense que les FNL étaient sensés défendre, ce qui est contraire aux objectifs de notre organisation, vu les dispositions tant nationales qu’internationales pour la paix dans la Région des Grands-Lacs, afin d’empêcher que le sang de nos frères ne continue à couler inutilement,
Après le contour de toutes les questions relatives à la paix dans notre pays,
Apres analyse des conditions que le Palipehutu avait posées comme sine qua none avant de négocier avec le gouvernement à savoir:
- Reconnaître l’existence des ethnies au Burundi
- Accepter le multipartisme intégral
- Création d’une armée nationale
- Accepter le partage équitable du pouvoir
- Traduire devant la justice, les auteurs des événements qui ont endeuillé le Burundi
Il a été trouvé que la guerre n’a plus de raison d’être.
A cet effet, dans une rencontre qui a réuni à MUYIRA les membres fondateurs du Palipehutu - FNL qui sont encore en vie, les militants et combattants (FNL) épris de paix, les auteurs de la lettre ouverte à Mme Carolyn McAskie et Mamadou Bah, et les Représentants des membres du Palipehutu -FNLvivant à l’étranger, (Afrique, Europe, Amériques), en date du 08 octobre 2005, il a été décidé ce qui suit:
a) Il est créé un Conseil National des Membres et Fondateurs pour la Rénovation du Palipehutu - FNL, C.N.M.F.R.PH en sigle.
b) Le C.N.M.F.R.PH est investi de tout pouvoir pour diriger le parti jusqu’au prochain Congrès National du parti.
c) Les personnes suivantes sont mandatées par l’Assemblée Générale Constituante pour faire partie du Conseil National des Membres et Fondateurs pour la Rénovation du Palipehutu - FNL :
1. M. SINDAYIGAYA Jean Bosco, président du Conseil
2. M. NIYUNGEKO Sylvestre, Secrétaire du Conseil et porte-parole
3. M. NZOGERA Thomas, Contacts extérieurs
4. Mme DUSABE Eliane, Mobilisation Féminine
5. M. NAHIMANA Bernard, Chargé des questions militaires
6. M. HAKIZIMANA Janvier, Information
7. M. SINZINKAYO Jean, Mobilisation de la Jeunesse
8. M. MINANI Fred, Afrique de l’Est
9. M. NGENDAKUMANA Jean Patrick, Afrique Australe
10. M. NZEYIMANA Ferdinand, Afrique Occidentale
11. M. SIKUJUWA Rodrigues, Australie
12. M. KARIMANZIRA Jacques, Canada
13. M. NGOYI Jean, Etats-Unis d’Amériques
14. M. BIRIHANYUMA François, Union Européenne
15. M. SAYUMWE Silas, les pays du Maghreb, siège au Kenya
16. M. NIYIBIZI Vénérand, Canada
17. M. BAMIYE Anselme, Tanzanie
18. M. NIYONTWARI Omer, Afrique du Sud
19. M. HORUMPENDE Gérard, Tanzanie, Tabora (Camp des réfugiés d’Ulyankuru)
20. Mme DUSABE Marie, membre
21. Mme MINANI Joséphine, membre
22. M. NDARUSANZE Jean, membre
23. M. NDUWAYO Gérard, membre
24. M. HAVYARIMANA Gabriel, membre
25. M. NDAYISHIMIYE Obed, membre
26. Mme IRAKOZE Claire, membre
27. Mme MANIRAKIZA Elisabeth, membre
28. M. NSHINYIRABANSI Barnabé, membre
29. M. HAKIZIMANA William, membre
d) Mr RWASA Agathon, NIKOBAMYE Methuselah (HABIMANA Pasteur), MUSAVYI Sixbert (NTAKARUTIMANA Ibrahim) et NSHIMIRIMANA Jonas sont momentanément suspendus de leurs fonctions jusqu’à la tenue d’un congrès extraordinaire du parti.
e) Le Conseil National des Membres et Fondateurs pour la Rénovation du Palipehutu - FNL a la mission de préparer le congrès dans les meilleurs délais, à l’issue duquel les nouvelles structures du parti seront mises sur pied en réponse à l’impératif de la paix. Nous demandons à toute personne éprise de paix de soutenir cette action qui s’impose.
f) Nous demandons au Gouvernement d’arrêter d’attaquer et de malmener les membres et combattants du Palipehutu – FNL partout où ils se trouvent.
g) Nous demandons à la Communauté nationale et internationale de soutenir la décision des membres et fondateurs du Palipehutu - FNL, pour qu’enfin les Burundais recouvrent réellement la Paix dont ils ont tant besoin.
7
h) Nous déclinons, enfin, toute responsabilité sur les actes de violence et de vandalisme posées et que poseraient encore les irréductibles et extrémistes de tout bord, au nom du Palipehutu – FNL contre les populations civiles. La PAIX doit régner.
Nous remercions encore une fois le Seigneur qui a nous a inspirés pour cette décision salutaire. Que Dieu protège le Burundi.
Vive le Burundi, Vive la Paix, Vive le Palipehutu – FNL.
Fait à Muyira, le 8 octobre 2005
Ont participé à cette Assemblée Générale constituante des fondateurs et membres du Palipehutu – FNL à Muyira les personnes suivantes:
1. BAMIYE Anselme, membre fondateur
2. RUZOBAVAKO Sylvestre, membre fondateur
3. KANDIKANDI Justin, membre fondateur
4. HORUMPENDE Gérard, membre fondateur
5. MINANI Jacques, membre fondateur
6. MUKURI Bernadette, membre fondateur
7. BARIYARARAZA Onésime, membre fondateur
8. SINGOYE Elisabeth, membre fondateur
9. NKORIPFA Pascal, membre fondateur
10. MANIRAFASHA Richard
11. KIRUNDO Mélance
12. SHIRAMANGA Prosper,
13. SINDAYIGAYA Jean-Bosco,
14. MBESHERUBUSA Isidore,
15. NZOGERA Thomas,
16. NIYUNGEKO Sylvestre
17. NTAHONDEREYE Rubin
18. NDAYISHIMIYE Obed
19. NZOPFEJO Zorobabel
20. NDARUSANZE Jean
21. MINANI Joséphine
22. NZAMBIMANA Appolinaire
23. NGENDAHAYO Christophe,
24. NDARUSANZE Marthe,
25. HAVYARIMANA Gabriel,
26. IRAKOZE Clair,
27. NAHIMANA Barnabé,
28. INAMAHORO Agnès,
29. KABURA Lazare, 8
30. NTAHOBATAVUGA Claude,
31. SIMBOKOKA Antoine,
32. NDABAMBARIRE Léocadie,
33. MUSARAGANYI Edouard,
34. BUCUMI Gabriel,
35. MINANI Clément,
36. BUKURU Ferdinand,
37. YARANKUNZE Anitha,
38. NIYONZIMA Célestin,
39. BITAKUMUKIRE Onesphore,
40. NTAKARAHERA Pascal,
41. NTIMPIRANGEZA Shabir Moussa,
42. NZORUBARA Florence,
43. GAHUNGU Etienne,
44. CUBWA Léonard,
45. KANYANGE Yvonne,
46. SINZINKAYO Jean,
47. BUKURU Fabien,
48. NYAMBERE Noëlla,
49. NTIRANYIBAGIRA Bosco,
50. NIZIGAMA Amissi,
51. HAVYARIMANA Léon,
52. NTAHIMPERA Gervais,
53. KARIKURUBU Zéna,
54. NIYONZIMA Marie,
55. MUGENZI Jean Marie,
56. BARUTWANAYO Claver,
57. BANGURAMBONA Maurice,
58. SIMBARE Joseph,
59. BAPFUMUKEKO Isidore,
60. NAHIMANA Victoire,
61. SHIRAMANGA Prosper,
62. BUKURU Simon,
63. BARUTWANAYO Célestin,
64. NZEYIMANA Raphaël,
65. BARUTWANAYO Rubin,
66. BUREGEYA Emmanuel,
67. NDIMUBAGENZI Gaspard,
68. NAHIMANA Goreth,
69. BARAKAMFITIYE Jackson,
70. MUNEZERO Aline,
71. NDAYISABE Nicodème,
72. MANIRAKIZA Elisabeth,
73. NSHIMIRIMANA Vanessa,
74. MUKESHIMANA Sarah,
75. SIBOMANA Marc,
76. IRADUKUNDA Claudine,
77. NDINZEMENSHI Léonidas,
78. MBESHUMUGONGO Vital,
79. MUNANA Gabriel,
80. NZORIJANA Aimé César,
81. DUSABE Eliane,
82. NIMPAGARITSE Béatrice,
83. NSHINYIRABANSI Barnabé,
84. BADOMO Fidèle,
85. NDUWIMANA Pasteur,
86. BANDORA Sammy,
87. MANIRAKIZA Prime,
88. KANTUNGANE Eric,
89. HAKIZIMANA William,
90. NTAHIRAJA Pascal,
91. MANIRAKIZA Jacqueline,
92. BUGUFI Clément,
93. KANYANA Marie Louise,
94. MUNYONGA Egide,
95. NGOWENUBUSA Pascal,
96. KAMWENUBUSA Pascaline,
97. UBUSIMBO Jimmy,
98. NDUWIMANA Gloriose,
99. NYANDWI Nestor,
100. MBERAMIHETO Ignace,
101. DUSABE Marie,
102. NDAYIKEZA Goreth,
103. NTUNZWENAYO Caritas,
104. NSHIMIRIMANA Nadine,
105. NDIWENUMURYANGO Pascasie,
106. KARUSHIZE Augustin,
107. BAZOMPORA Tite,
108. MPEKURA Christophe,
109. NDABAMBARIRE Léocadie,
110. TWIZIGIRE Japhar,
111. IRAMBONA Arcade,
112. BAZERUKE Salvator,
113. NKURUNZIZA Paul,
114. NTIBANYIHA Joseph,
115. NTUNZWENAYO Ildefonse,
116. BUKURU Simon,
117. KANKINDI Paula,
118. INAMAHORO Agnès,
119. NTAHOBATAVUGA Claude,
120. NDAYUBAHE Mohamed,
121. BIGIRIMANA Alphonse,
122. NSHIMIRIMANA Eddy Michel,
123. BATUNGWANAYO Célestin,
124. KARUSHIJE Augustin,
125. NZORUBARA Florence,
126. NTANDIKIYE Hilaire,
127. HORUMPENDE Pancras,
128. KABURA Christine,
129. MAKWANGU Saddock,
130. SIMBARE Joseph,
131. NSENGIYUMVA Caroline,
132. BIGIRIMANA Albert,
133. NIMUBONA Roger,
134. NDAYIKENGURUKIYE Gilbert,
135. SINDIMWO Bernard,
136. BUCUMI François,
137. NIYUBAHWE Pierre Claver,
138. SINGOWE Patrick,
139. BATUNGWANAYO Ally,
140. NZOBASABANA Aloys,
141. NIYONGABO Tharcisse,
142. NGABO Jean,
143. GAKIZA Bernard,
144. TUYAGA Immaculée,
145. NDAYISABA Charles,
146. KANDIKANDI Jean,
147. NDAYISHIMIYE Adèle,
148. NZOJIBWAMI Alain,
149. BIZOZA Lambert,
150. CUBWA Gilbert,
151. NTUKAMAZINA André,
152. NZORIJANA Jean Bosco,
153. ZIRARIYE Zacharie,
154. SIMBANDUKU Joseph,
155. MUGIRIGIRI Michel,
156. SIMPIRIWE Schadrack,
157. TURIKUMWE Jeanne,
158. MUBERUKA Françoise,
159. SINZINKAYO André,
160. NDAYIKEZA Djuma,
161. HASSAN Ally,
162. BIRABEREYE Chantal,
163. BARANKIZA Espérance,
164. BAREKENSABE André,
165. SINDIMWO Mathieu,
166. KAZOBAKORA Jeanne,
167. MUBURUBUNDO Consolée,
168. TURAHIRIWE François,
169. NINTIJE Pascal,
170. NDIRARIHA Pierre,
171. BATUNDU Bernard,
172. MUKAMA Innocent,
173. NDAYAMBAJE Grâce,
174. MUGISHA Jean,
175. BURABUZA Pierre Claver,
176. NDAYISABA Jean Marie,
177. NIYONGABO Marie Rose,
178. KAMWENUBUSA Amiel,
179. MBONYE Martin,
180. NZOYIKUNDA Ange,
181. BAYUBAHE Fiston,
182. BIZIMANA Juvénal,
183. KIRIMWABAGABO Michel,
184. AHISHAKIYE Sophonie,
185. MUNDANIKURE Mathias,
186. NGOZIRAZANA Bernard,
187. NTIZIZAKUMWE Gloriose,
188. NDAYITWAYEKO Gélase,
189. ZIRAMBOGOYE Lazard,
190. BARIBESHA Barthélemy,
191. BAHOZE Mathias,
192. TURIKUMWE Thomas,
193. NZOYIHAYA Jeanne,
194. BAGABO Balthazar,
195. NDAGIJIMANA Hilaire,
196. AHIMBONEYE Alexandre,
197. SINGEJEJE François,
198. KARIKURUBU Noah,
199. NYABENDA Désiré,
200. HICINTUKA Salvator,
201. BINWABIGARI Zacharie,
202. MANARIYO Mathias,
203. BARABE Charles,
204. MPAWENIMANA Appolonie,
205. NTUNZWENAYO Charlotte,
206. HAVYARIMANA Angeline.

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Rwasa reported sacked as FNL leader

Agathon Rwasa, leader of Burundi's remaining rebel group, the Forces nationales de liberation (FNL), has been expelled from the movement's leadership, a new FNL spokesman announced on Tuesday.

The spokesman, Sylvestre Niyungeko, who replaces Pasteur Habimana, told a local radio that Jean Bosco Sindayigaya had replaced Rwasa as the new FNL leader.

"The new leader was appointed at a meeting held on 8 October at Muyira," he said.

Muyira is in Kanyosha Commune, west of the province of Bujumbura Rural, an FNL stronghold.

Niyungeko said 29 FNL founding members and 93 other members decided Rwasa's removal at the National Council meeting. This follows the signing of a letter, by the same group, in September, calling on Rwasa to convene a national congress to determine the movement's direction, given the political changes in the country.

Burundi completed its electoral process in August, with the election of former rebel leader Pierre Nkurunziza as president.

On Tuesday, Niyungeko said the new FNL had "enough strength" to lead the movement as Rwasa no longer has any influential members.

Niyungeko added that Rwasa had fled Burundi after straying from the movement's objectives.

The new FNL leader, Sindayigaya, told another local radio that he chaired the council meeting that ousted Rwasa.

"Rwasa was not there as he went to Dar es Salaam and remained outside Burundi," he said. "The Burundian people will decide between me and Rwasa who will lead them to peace."

Niyungeko said the new FNL leadership would soon organise a congress to determine the new direction the movement would take. "Agathon Rwasa will also be invited to the meeting," he added.

However, he said the new leadership had not yet contacted the Burundian government, in a move to begin peace negotiations.

Nkurunziza has given the FNL up to the end of October to hold peace talks or face "serious consequences" which, however, he did not specify.

Announcing his ultimatum to the FNL last week, Nkurunziza said the movement had "one month to end hostilities or else it will get due treatment".

He also announced that a regional summit would be held under the Great Lakes Regional Peace Initiative for Burundi on 20 October to tackle the FNL issue. He did not say where the summit would be held.

Burundi's army spokesman, Maj Adolphe Manirakiza, said on Monday it was "still early" to declare a stand on the new FNL leadership. However, he said the government would welcome any moves aimed at boosting of peace in the country.

"The new FNL team will be recognised by its will to negotiate peace," Manirakiza said.

However, he said, "nothing has yet changed on the ground."

Tanzania's ambassador to Burundi, Francis Bernard Mndolwa, said on Monday his country would "recognise the new FNL leadership if the government of Burundi first recognised it and notified this to Tanzanian officials".

He said Rwasa and Habimana could either be in Tanzania or Kenya.

IRIN's efforts to contact Rwasa and Habimana over the new development failed.

The FNL has of late been infiltrating other provinces, besides its Bujumbura Rural stronghold.

The governor of the southern province of Makamba, Séverin Ndikuriyo, said FNL combatants were infiltrating the communes of Kayogoro, Vugizo, Nyanzalac and Kibago.

He said the movement was trying to "create a parallel administration" in the province. He was speaking after a meeting with local administration leaders on Monday.

During Nkurunziza's inauguration as president on 26 August, world leaders called on the FNL to stop fighting and to hold negotiations with the government.

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Tuesday, October 11, 2005

"Rwasa is killing innocent people. He cuts the heads off people, accusing them of collaborating with the army" - say Rwasa's own troops

A group of Burundi rebels said on Monday they rejected their leader and accused him of "gross human rights violations", as part of a drive to pressure the African nation's last remaining insurgents to enter peace talks.

A spokesman for the group which comprises some 260 members of the Hutu Forces for National Liberation (FNL) said their decision to sever ties with rebel leader Agathon Rwasa was made at the weekend.

The same FNL faction said last month they were tired of waging war and urged Rwasa to accept rebel-turned-president Pierre Nkurunziza's offer of negotiations. But it is not clear whether all FNL fighters support the move.

The faction's spokesman, Sylvestre Niyungeko, said it had rejected several top FNL leaders including Rwasa, force commander Ibrahim Ntakarutimana and secretary-general Jonas Nshimirimana.

"Rwasa is killing innocent people. He cuts the heads off people, accusing them of collaborating with the army," Niyungeko told Reuters by telephone from the FNL's stronghold on the outskirts of Bujumbura.

"This is unacceptable, and for us there is no justification of pursuing fighting," he added.

Rwasa was not immediately available to comment on the claims.

Niyungeko said a council of 29 people, led by former FNL deputy chairman Jean Bosco Sindayigaya, had been put in place.

"The council is leading the movement, pending a special session in which the movement will elect new leaders," he said, adding that the council urged government troops to refrain from attacking the bases of FNL fighters who want peace.

New President Nkurunziza, himself a former Hutu rebel boss, was sworn in on Aug. 26, vowing to pursue peace to end 12 years of conflict that has killed 300,000 people in the coffee grower.

Securing peace in the tiny central African state is seen as crucial to overall stability in the volatile Great Lakes, a region racked by ethnic conflict, fights over resources and refugee problems. The region also includes neighbouring Rwanda.

Last week, Nkurunziza warned the FNL to enter talks with the government by the end of October or face "serious action".

Niyungeko said his group will consider how to engage talks with the government.

Regional leaders declared the FNL a terrorist organisation after it was implicated in the massacre of more than 160 Congolese Tutsi refugees last year at a camp in western Burundi.

But the FNL has never stopped fighting, despite several appeals to join the peace process to end Tutsi domination. Tutsis have held sway in Burundi since independence from Belgium in 1962 and have committed many of the worst massacres.

Nkurunziza's inauguration after a series of democratic polls has produced a fairer share of power, but analysts say lasting peace will not be secured until the FNL lays down its arms.

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Friday, October 07, 2005

Deadline October 31st - Yet another "last chance" for Agathon Rwasa's FNL?

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/112858996219.htm

"The international community and regional countries all agree that that will be the last chance for the FNL." - Pierre Nkurunziza

Burundi's new president, former FDD rebel leader Pierre Nkurunziza, has given Rwasa an ultimatum to start peace talks by Halloween or face "serious action". This comes several months after the UN warned the FNL "we will not tolerate war crimes any more" - several months in which the FNL killed hundreds more civilians. It's now more than a year since the Burundian government issued arrest warrants for the FNL leadership, following the FNL's admission of guilt for the vicious massacre at Gatumba, and declared the group a "terrorist organisation" - a year in which Rwasa held his first press conference and was feted as a statesman in Dar Es Salaam by both the Tanzanian and Burundian presidents.

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