Intimidation and acts of intolerance : The opposition denounces a tense election campaign in Bujumbura province

SOS Médias Burundi

Bujumbura, May 29, 2025 — As the election campaign is in full swing in Burundi, voices are being raised to denounce a tense political climate, particularly in Bujumbura province, in the west of the country. The opposition accuses certain ruling party activists of increasing acts of intimidation and political intolerance, thus compromising the smooth running of the democratic process.

The districts of Mpanda and Bubanza are cited as epicenters of these tensions. The UPRONA party and the Burundi Bwa Bose coalition claim that several of their members have been harassed or threatened. During its May 24 rally, the UPRONA denounced a “heavy atmosphere” in which its supporters are discouraged from speaking out publicly. The case of an activist from Gahongore village, forced into hiding after repeated threats, illustrates this reality.

On May 27, the Burundi Bwa Bose coalition reported the theft of ten of its flags during a rally in Randa. It described this act as a symbolic provocation intended to restrict its visibility on the ground. The provincial president of the coalition accused the Imbonerakure, members of the youth league of the ruling CNDD-FDD party, and called for clear sanctions :

“This is about respecting the right to freedom of association,” he insisted.

These incidents occur despite the call for mutual respect made by President Évariste Ndayishimiye at the official opening of the campaign on May 9 in the political capital, Gitega. The opposition believes this call has been largely ignored on the ground.

Faced with this situation, national and international observers are urging the authorities to ensure a peaceful and fair electoral climate. This condition is considered essential to the credibility of the election scheduled for June 5.

The opposition, for its part, fears a broader plan aimed at gradually removing it from the democratic process.