Burundi : a triumphant and controversial return of Révérien Ndikuriyo to Makamba

After several weeks of absence due to health reasons, CNDD-FDD Secretary-General Révérien Ndikuriyo made a highly anticipated public appearance on Monday, March 24, in his native province of Makamba (southern Burundi). His return, announced at the last minute, sparked a massive mobilization, marked by school closures and the shutdown of several public services.

INFO SOS Médias Burundi

While his supporters hailed his return as a victory, others denounced the instrumentalization of institutions for an orchestrated welcome.

A grandiose welcome… imposed?

From dawn, the roads connecting Gitega, Rutana, and Makamba were invaded by activists and Imbonerakure (members of the youth league of the CNDD-FDD, the ruling party) carrying out the ruling party’s instructions. Pupils and civil servants were asked to leave their schools to join the crowd.

“We were told it was mandatory. If we didn’t come, we risked sanctions,” confided a teacher who spoke on condition of anonymity.

A 16-year-old pupil testified :

“I had a math test today, but the principal told us it was canceled because we had to go and welcome Ndikuriyo. I don’t understand why.”

For their part, the Secretary-General’s supporters defended this massive welcome.

“It’s an honor to welcome him after this ordeal. He has given so much for the country ; he deserves this support!”, enthuses Déo N., a CNDD-FDD activist from Rutana (southeastern Burundi).

The climax of this mobilization took place in Ndikuriyo’s private stadium in Makamba, where he spoke before an enthusiastic crowd.

A speech tinged with mysticism

During his speech, Ndikuriyo shared his experience of illness with an almost mystical tone.

“I went through a difficult ordeal. For three weeks, I was between life and death. But God gave me a new chance.”

He also spoke of thoughts that came back to him “like in a dream” while he was still ill. Among his major concerns : the mobilization of the Imbonerakure, the security crisis in the DRC, and the organization of the Nkurunziza Cup.

“I want this event to take place, no matter the obstacles. Some want to stop it, but they won’t succeed.”

Between support and criticism

While his supporters welcome his return, some political analysts see this event as a calculated show of force.

“This staging aims to reassure his supporters and reaffirm his political influence, at a time when rumors were circulating about his fragility,” says a Burundian political scientist.

Others denounce the impact of this mobilization on the daily lives of residents.

“It’s scandalous that pupils are removed from classes for partisan activities,” criticizes a teacher from Makamba.

But the CNDD-FDD side rejects these accusations.

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Révérien Ndikuriyo, secretary-general of the CNDD-FDD, returned to Burundi on February 20, 2025, after his hospitalization in Dubai and Kenya (SOS Médias Burundi)