Faustin Ndikumana, an experienced economist and leader of the PARCEM organization (which promotes civic behavior change), has asserted that Burundians are still oppressed today, just as they were under colonial rule. According to him, Burundians continue to face discrimination, unlawful imprisonment, confiscation of their property, and looting of national resources.
Ndikumana further stated that poverty remains widespread and that Burundians have never truly experienced prosperity since the country gained independence.
As Burundi celebrated 63 years of independence, Ndikumana expressed that in his view, true independence has yet to be achieved for the Burundian people.
He emphasized that despite the official independence, the country still suffers from serious economic crises.
He also reiterated that beyond economic hardship, Burundians continue to be mistreated, oppressed, arbitrarily arrested, robbed, and subjected to the plundering of national wealth.
Another concern he raised is the large number of Burundian refugees still living abroad, even though they should be residing in their homeland.
Ndikumana concluded by urging the Burundian government to urgently address these issues, warning that failure to do so could reignite ethnic divisions and fuel further conflict, especially given the historical tensions related to ethnic violence.
