La Démocratie des Ombres

“Uvuga ivyo utabonye… Ntukore ivyo wemeye.” In this powerful and uncompromising text, Kiki Daniel poses a fundamental question that resonates at the heart of Burundi’s history and current events: Are we facing a true democracy, or are we experiencing “the hypocrisy of the ballot box”? Through a striking historical and poetic panorama, the author contrasts modern democracy—perceived as an imported concept, synonymous with division and broken promises—with the old Burundian monarchy (Ingoma y’Uburundi), built by Ntare Rushatsi on the pillars of unity, the justice of the Abashingantahe, respect, and the ethos of Ubuntu. From the colonial legacy that transformed a united people into fractured entities, to the assassinations of leading figures like Prince Louis Rwagasore and President Melchior Ndadaye, to the current authoritarian excesses (disappearances, opportunistic constitutional revisions, imposed silence), this slam poem is a heartfelt cry for the truth. “Ibitagenda neza baratubuza kubivuga… Ariko ntibatubuza kubibona! Welcome to the democracy of shadows.” Watch, listen, and immerse yourself in this profound reflection on the identity, history, and future of a Burundi that is bleeding in silence.