state security forces

While announcing the referendum on December 12, 2017, Nkurunziza warned that those who dared to 'sabotage' the project to revise the constitution 'by word or action' would be crossing a 'red line'. His speech legitimised a government policy of seeking out and punishing anyone perceived to oppose the referendum. Local authorities reinforced these threats.

Government Kills and Abuses People Ahead of Referendum

East African Film Network May 19, 2018

By Human Rights Watch Press Published May 19, 2018 Burundi’s security services and ruling...