Legislative and district elections : when the colors of the power impose their power on shopkeepers

SOS Médias Burundi

Bujumbura, May 14, 2025 – As the legislative and local elections approach in Burundi, signs of allegiance to the ruling party, the CNDD-FDD, are invading public and private spaces. But behind the red, black, green, and white flags bearing a black eagle, sometimes lie imposed obligations, which some citizens resent—even within the party.

In a district near Bujumbura, the commercial capital, a shopkeeper, despite being a member of the CNDD-FDD, confides that he was forced to erect the party flag in front of his shop. “I was told that, as a member, it was an obligation. But I replied that I am a shopkeeper, that I receive customers from all political parties, not just those of the CNDD-FDD,” he says. To avoid tensions, he preferred to finance the purchase of party-colored sweaters for activists.

According to him, election periods are particularly demanding for members : in addition to regular dues, they must attend meetings, make additional contributions, and publicly display their affiliation, notably by wearing the party colors.

And this case is not isolated. In several localities in Bujumbura province, other merchants and civil servants report, anonymously, having received similar injunctions. Some claim that even non-members are solicited. “I’m not a member of the CNDD-FDD, but I contributed anyway. I want to keep my job,” confided a local civil servant.

These accounts illustrate a tense electoral climate, where support for the government sometimes seems to be imposed through pressure rather than conviction. Fear of reprisals pushes many citizens to conform, even if it means keeping their opinions secret or contributing out of obligation rather than out of commitment.

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A PNB (Burundi National Police) officer checks receipts before allowing people into the Bubanza market, October 27, 2024 (SOS Médias Burundi)