As a gay journalist, I find the recent remarks by Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye deeply troubling. During an International Women’s Day event, he reiterated a call for public stoning of LGBTQ individuals.
This statement is not just a severe violation of human rights but also fuels a dangerous environment for LGBTQ people in Burundi and potentially in neighbouring countries like South Africa. In South Africa, where LGBTQ rights have made significant strides, this kind of rhetoric threatens to undermine the progress made. It’s a stark reminder that even as we celebrate our freedoms in South Africa, our brothers and sisters in nearby regions face perilous situations.
The international community, including South African activists and diplomats, must condemn such statements and continue to advocate for the safety and rights of LGBTQ individuals everywhere.
The impact of Burundi’s president’s words reaches far beyond his country’s borders, challenging us to stand in solidarity against such hate and discrimination. For more information, you can read the full article here.
