Land conflicts have re-emerged in Rumonge commune, where families on Busebwa hill, Gatete zone, recently denounced the seizure of their properties by repatriated families. Residents claim these repatriated individuals have taken possession of their ancestral lands in recent days, leading to significant tension. These disputes between repatriates and long-term inhabitants are now observed on certain hills within the commune, marking a recurrence of such issues in the area. The situation has prompted local families to voice their concerns over the loss of their land holdings, with reports from families of residents on Busebwa hill, Gatete zone, Rumonge commune, specifically denouncing that repatriated families have seized their land properties in recent days. This resurgence of land conflicts between repatriates and residents is again observed on certain hills in Rumonge commune, noting an ongoing challenge for the region.
Repatriates Assert Prior Claims
Repatriated individuals asserting claims to land in Rumonge commune state that the former National Commission for Lands and Other Property (CNTB) had previously ruled in their favor. According to Rita Nimbona, the chief of Busebwa hill, these repatriates contend that while the CNTB’s decisions validated their ownership, those rulings were never implemented. The repatriates indicate that they have won their case, with the ex-CNTB having ruled in their favor, but the execution of these decisions remains outstanding. These repatriates say the former National Commission for Lands and Other Property (CNTB) ruled in their favor, but its decisions were not executed, according to the hill chief. H.A. A repatriate from Busebwa hill, specifically claims to have prevailed in a land dispute against a resident on the same hill. Rita Nimbona, the chief of Busebwa hill, confirms the information provided by the repatriates regarding the unexecuted CNTB decisions, acknowledging the repatriates' assertion of prior legal victories.
Residents Deny Judgments
On Busebwa hill, approximately twenty resident families have reported that around ten repatriated families have forcibly seized their land. These residents contend that no legal judgment has been rendered that would grant the repatriates access to these lands. On her hill, approximately twenty resident families complain that about ten repatriated families have forcibly taken over their land, asserting that such actions are without legal basis. These residents state that no judgment has been rendered for these repatriates to access these lands. N.P. A resident of Busebwa hill, stated that the former National Commission for Lands and Other Property (CNTB) did not rule in favor of the repatriate in their case because the commission failed to provide the resident with a copy of any such decision. This lack of official documentation or communication from the CNTB forms the basis of the residents' challenge to the repatriates' claims of legal victories. The residents' stance shows a significant procedural and transparency issue in the resolution of these land disputes.
Judicial Call for CVR Resolution
A judicial authority has advised parties involved in land disputes in Rumonge to seek resolution through the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (CVR). This recommendation comes as the complexities of these long-standing disputes continue to escalate. Léonard Niyukuri, a prosecutor at the Bururi Court of Appeal, visited the site and advised both parties to go directly to the CVR for dispute resolution. He recommended that both parties directly approach the CVR to settle their disagreements, emphasizing the commission's role in addressing historical grievances. This suggestion comes as some repatriates have already filed complaints with CVR branches, according to reports from hill chiefs, indicating a pre-existing trust or familiarity with the commission's processes among some claimants. The involvement of the CVR notes the complex nature of these land claims, which often stem from historical displacements and require a full approach to reconciliation. A judicial authority has asked both parties to entrust themselves to the CVR for the resolution of their dispute, showing the legal system's recognition of the CVR's mandate in such sensitive matters. Among all communes nationally, Rumonge and Nyanza in Burunga province are the first communes nationally to record many conflicts related to land and other property, indicating a significant challenge in these areas. This high incidence of disputes in Rumonge and Nyanza communes further stresses the urgency and importance of effective resolution mechanisms like the CVR.
