Inmates at the prison centrale de Ngozi, located in the province of Butanyerera in northern Burundi, have denounced a widespread climate of fear and tension within the facility. This unsettling atmosphere, described by the prisoners, has led to a collective demand for action from the authorities. The prisoners are specifically demanding the transfer of Colonel Désiré Uwamahoro, the prison's director, to another correctional institution, citing his alleged conduct as the primary cause of their distress. The accusations from the inmates center on allegations of violence, threats of escape, and special treatment under Colonel Uwamahoro's leadership, which they claim contributes significantly to the prevailing unease.
Allegations of Abuse and Fear
Inmates at Ngozi prison attribute the prevailing climate of fear and tension directly to Colonel Désiré Uwamahoro, a former commander of the Brigade anti-émeute. The gravity of these accusations is showed by a specific incident: Colonel Uwamahoro allegedly physically assaulted MANIRAKIZA Emmanuel, who serves as the head inmate, or 'capita,' within the facility. This alleged assault, which has become a focal point of the inmates' grievances, reportedly took place after Colonel Uwamahoro had spent time in the office of the prison director, Christian Sibomana. This detail has fueled further speculation and concern among the prison population. Several inmates claim that Colonel Désiré Uwamahoro maintains privileged relations with the prison director, Christian Sibomana, contributing significantly to the perception of unequal treatment and a lack of impartiality within the prison administration.
Colonel Désiré Uwamahoro has been incarcerated since 2023. His arrest occurred in April 2023, marking a significant development in his career. The arrest was made in the context of the high-profile case involving former Prime Minister Alain-Guillaume Bunyoni, though specific details linking Uwamahoro's charges directly to Bunyoni's case were not provided in the initial reports. The inmates' accusations against Colonel Uwamahoro highlight profound concerns regarding his conduct and influence within the prison environment, particularly given his past military role as commander of the Brigade anti-émeute and his alleged connections to the current prison administration. The reported physical assault on a fellow inmate, MANIRAKIZA Emmanuel, shows the seriousness of the allegations, pointing to a potential abuse of power even while Colonel Uwamahoro himself is incarcerated. This situation raises critical questions about the security and fairness of the correctional system.
Background and Context
SOS Médias Burundi stated it could not independently verify the exact circumstances of the alleged altercation involving Colonel Désiré Uwamahoro or the reported injuries sustained by MANIRAKIZA Emmanuel. The inability to independently confirm these details notes the challenges in obtaining verifiable information from within correctional facilities. Colonel Uwamahoro's incarceration is directly linked to the case involving former Prime Minister Alain-Guillaume Bunyoni, a case that has drawn considerable public attention. Before his arrest, Colonel Désiré Uwamahoro directed the Brigade anti-émeute of the Burundian police, a unit known for its involvement in maintaining public order. The Brigade anti-émeute has been cited in various reports and testimonies concerning human rights violations, adding a layer of complexity to Colonel Uwamahoro's past and reputation. Despite the serious nature of the accusations made against him, Uwamahoro has consistently denied these allegations, maintaining his innocence.
Alain-Guillaume Bunyoni, the former Prime Minister whose case is intertwined with Uwamahoro's, was initially sentenced to life imprisonment in connection with his own legal proceedings. However, Bunyoni subsequently benefited from provisional release for medical reasons, a development that also drew significant attention. SOS Médias Burundi noted that these specific accusations regarding Colonel Uwamahoro's conduct within the prison have not been independently verified, emphasizing the need for thorough investigation into the claims made by the inmates. The context of these events, involving high-profile figures and allegations of human rights concerns, shows the sensitive nature of the situation at Ngozi prison.
Inmates' Demands and Reactions
Several inmates have accused Colonel Désiré Uwamahoro of various forms of misconduct, including violence, threats of escape, and benefiting from special treatment within the Ngozi prison establishment. These accusations collectively paint a picture of a deeply troubled environment within the facility. Due to these serious allegations, the inmates are unified in their demand for Uwamahoro's departure from the facility, advocating for his transfer to another prison to restore order and fairness. The victim of the alleged assault, MANIRAKIZA Emmanuel, was reportedly taken to the prison dispensary for care after sustaining several blows, notably to the chest, during the incident. This detail, while unverified, notes the physical impact of the alleged violence.
Inmates claim Colonel Uwamahoro benefits from greater freedom of movement than other detainees, a privilege that further fuels their perception of special treatment and inequity. This perceived preferential treatment, coupled with the alleged violence, has contributed to the climate of fear and tension described by the prisoners. The alleged incident involving MANIRAKIZA Emmanuel reportedly occurred on July 28, providing a specific timeline for the most recent and serious accusation. At the time of writing, neither Colonel Désiré Uwamahoro, nor the prison director Christian Sibomana, nor the prison authorities had reacted publicly or formally to these specific accusations. This lack of official response has likely compounded the inmates' frustrations and their demands for immediate action and transparency. The situation at Ngozi prison remains tense, with inmates awaiting a resolution to their grievances.