This is the fourth hearing since Agathon Rwasa’s removal from office at the extraordinary congress held in Ngozi. The Supreme Court, which follows a written procedure, ruled that the defendant’s absence did not prevent the hearing from proceeding.
After hearing from the parties present and their observations, the judges adjourned the case for deliberation. The verdict will be delivered within two months.
At the end of the hearing, Agathon Rwasa, accompanied by his loyal companions, Simon Bizimungu and Pamphile Malaika, said he was surprised by the absence of the opposing camp, led by Nestor Girukwishaka, as he had expected a decision at this hearing, which ultimately did not happen.
According to him, this absence is explained by their desire to avoid “humiliating themselves” in front of the Inyankamugayo, given that they are aware that they deliberately violated the internal regulations of the CNL party as well as the Burundian Constitution, describing their actions as “shameful”.
The proof for him is that a large part of their supporters eventually realized that she had been deceived.
Regarding the 2027 presidential election, the former head of the CNL assured that the announced delay for the verdict would in no way affect his participation in the election.
He added that “no officially announced candidate can frighten us .” He believes that Burundians are aware of what is at stake, unless the next elections take place under the same conditions as those of 2025.
According to him, some are primarily seeking to prevent his side from participating in the political process.
Finally, he called on the government to open up the political space to all, in strict accordance with the law, to guarantee fair competition. “May the best one win,” he declared. He clarified that the disagreements within the CNL concern only its leadership and not the party’s rank and file, whom he considers to be “united.”
It should be noted that the hearing took place under a heavy police presence, deployed both outside and inside the Supreme Court. Among the units mobilized was the institutional protection police.
The president of the CNL, Nestor Girukwishaka, offered two reasons for the party leadership’s absence from the hearing, despite having been duly informed of the date. One reason was related to the ongoing legal proceedings, and the other to the safety of the defendants.
According to him, the CNL party sent a letter to the high court to express their concerns. Therefore, the debate should first focus on procedure before addressing the substance of the case. “We did not respond because the issue lies primarily with the plaintiff.”
The CNL is contesting, in particular, the choice of individuals summoned in the proceedings to remove Agathon Rwasa. “Out of 1,400 congress members, only ten were cited, without the criteria for this selection being clear. The decisions of the Congress are sovereign ,” Mr. Girukwishaka reminded everyone.
The second point raised concerns the legitimacy of his former ally to continue claiming the title of CNL president. The CNL leader believes that the latter was duly replaced by the extraordinary congress of March 10, 2024, whose resolutions were ratified by the Ministry of the Interior. “If he contests this replacement, he should also challenge the minister’s administrative decision.”
He regrets that this hearing took place before he received a response.
Furthermore, Mr. Girukwishaka also mentioned acts of violence that occurred during previous hearings: physical assaults, damage to vehicles, attempts to break windows, insults, and intimidation. He implicated “small groups coordinated by Agathon Rwasa and his associates.”
