Kirundo : pupils mobilized for political activities, parents cry outrage

SOS Médias Burundi

Kirundo, January 15, 2026 – Several schools in Kirundo are at the center of a heated controversy after pupils were involved in political activities organized by the ruling party, the CNDD-FDD, instead of attending classes. Among the schools affected are the Kirundo District Technical High School, the Gikuyo Primary School, the Kavomo School, and a local Islamic school.

A school day turned into a political march

According to testimonies gathered, on January 10, a show of force by the CNDD-FDD was organized in the town of Kirundo, in Butanyerera province, northern Burundi. On that day, pupils from the aforementioned schools were reportedly mobilized to participate in a race followed by a political parade through the town’s streets, leading to the suspension of scheduled school activities, including Saturday make-up classes.

“Our children were supposed to be back at school for study or Saturday catch-up classes. Instead, they were taken to a political demonstration,” lamented a parent of a pupil at the Kirundo District Technical High School.

Several parents are also concerned about the exposure of underage children to political slogans. “Even the little ones were there. How can pupils be exposed to political slogans while they should be protected and supervised?” exclaimed a mother of a pupil at the Gikuyo Primary School.

During the march, slogans supporting the CNDD-FDD were chanted, notably claiming that the party would remain in power “until the return of Jesus Christ” and that it would be “the only party impossible to confront,” remarks deemed shocking by a segment of the population.

Educators disapprove

Some teachers, speaking on condition of anonymity, denounce a deviation from the educational mission. “School must remain a neutral space. Our role is to train responsible citizens, not to manipulate them for political gain,” asserts a teacher from Kirundo.

Another educator adds : “When a school official mobilizes pupils for a political activity, they betray the parents’ trust and violate educational ethics.”

A principal singled out

Among those named by the parents is Jean Paul Mukezangango, principal of the Kirundo District Technical High School. The parents are demanding his dismissal, believing he acts more like a politician than an educator.

“A school principal must protect our children, not drag them into political battles,” insists a parent representative.

At the time of writing, the principal in question had not yet publicly responded to these accusations.

The civil society takes a stand

Local civil society organizations have strongly criticized these practices, denouncing a violation of children’s rights.

“Using pupils in political activities is contrary to the principles of child protection and the right to education. Educational authorities must act without delay,” declared a civil society leader in Kirundo.

These organizations are calling for an independent investigation and demanding that schools remain apolitical spaces, dedicated exclusively to children’s learning and development.

A case that raises concerns

While parents are demanding disciplinary measures and a return to normal school operations, this case has reignited the debate on the politicization of schools and the protection of pupils. In Kirundo, many now hope that the relevant authorities will take responsibility for safeguarding children’s educational future.