| From "Burundi Youth"At around age 15 years old, Tutsi Leaders sent me around the capital Town of Burundi, to buy grenades. I thank God that I am alive and that I never participated in any killings. Those who sent me, had said that we had to protect ourselves against the possible attack of Hutu rebels, but I later found out that some of the grenades were used to attack civilians in the capital town such as Bwiza, Buyenzi, etc, I can name people like Deo Niyonzima (of the movement for Youth resistance, Sojedem)who at the time, was part of "Freres Dominicains", of his involvement to pick grenades and distribute it to Young people, those from less privileged areas of Bujumbura (capital town), he should be brought before justice for such crimes against civilians. I then realized that this was pure criminality that I will never allow as long as I live. My message also goes to Leader of FNL-Palipehutu, who was reported to use children soldiers from age 10, I say that it is wrong and Agathon Rwasa should be brought to justice before he continues to recruit poor innocent children to his own barbaric campaign. Why was I picked? Surely, the Politicians saw Young People as an easy target to use them for intimidation to succeed in their campaign. I thank God that I am healthy and have managed to start speaking about my experience. Right now, many children and Young people may be at risk of being used as children soldiers, I am asking that we stop this ongoing abuse against children.Burundi, human rights, Current Affairs, Politics, Africa... |
