They were arrested together with a Burundian national, Fabien Ngerageze, member of the Burundi Opposition Coalition, Amizero y’Abarundi.
Reports say they were arrested by Burundi National Intelligence Service on allegations of “partnering with armed forces supported by Rwanda.”
On arrest, they were immediately handcuffed, put in a car that took directions of Kayanza region.
A Burundian resident who saw them being arrested said he fears for the life of the arrested.
Residents say the Rwandans arrested had lived at Rusenda Mountain for the last 30 years and they were known for nothing bad and they lived in harmony with neighbors. They hence request for their release as they consider the allegations against them baseless.
The Office of SNR in Cibitoke Province confirmed the arrest of the duo and started the investigations are undergoing.
Burundi has been marked by political instabilities followed by 2015 protests raised as protesters opposed incumbent President Pierre Nkurunziza’s third term that he later won through elections.
The protests saw many lives lost and Burundi has, at different times, pointed a finger on Rwanda accusing her of being behind the insecurities in her neighboring country, allegations Rwanda has always denied. Numerous Rwandans were arrested and tortured.
Thousands of Burundians fled their country to Rwanda where they took refuge since 2015. Mahama Refugee Camp, among others, is now home to 60,000 Burundian refugees who constitute 20,000 families.
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