Rwasa faces his destiny : the Supreme Court adjourns the case that could revive his political career

SOS Médias Burundi

Bujumbura, July 16, 2026 – The Supreme Court adjourned the trial between Agathon Rwasa and Nestor Girukwishaka in the dispute over the leadership of the National Congress for Liberty (CNL) on Thursday. Following a third hearing marked by the absence of the leader elected at the extraordinary congress in Ngozi, the verdict is expected within 60 days. Less than a year before the 2027 presidential election, this decision could be decisive for the political future of the former Hutu rebel leader and major figure in the Burundian opposition.

The third hearing in the trial between the two former comrades-in-arms was held on Thursday before the Supreme Court in Bujumbura, Burundi’s commercial capital. The CNL’s historic leader was present at the hearing, while the party’s officially recognized president did not appear before the judges. His lawyer nevertheless defended him and asked the Court to consider the brief already filed.

During the proceedings, the defense explained that it was still awaiting a response from the Court regarding the motion filed by the former CNL president based on his appeal, as well as concerning the responsibility of the executive committee members in the RPA 68 case, which pits the two sides against each other.

Following the arguments, the Supreme Court decided to take the case under advisement. Its decision is expected within 60 days.

Outside the courthouse, several supporters of the CNL’s historic leader had gathered in front of the Attorney General’s office to follow the proceedings. A significant security presence had been deployed by the police to prevent any risk of confrontation between supporters of the two sides. Ultimately, the hearing proceeded without incident and lasted only a few minutes.

Some CNL activists who remained loyal to the party’s former president believe that his opponent’s absence from the court reflected a lack of arguments in the case. This interpretation was not commented on by the opposing side.

A battle for control of the CNL since 2023

The conflict between the two leaders originated in March 2023, when an extraordinary congress held in Ngozi, northern Burundi, removed the CNL’s historic leader from the party presidency and elected Nestor Girukwishaka to head the political organization for a five-year term.

The Burundian Minister of the Interior at the time, Martin Niteretse, confirmed the resolutions of the extraordinary congress in Ngozi that had appointed the new CNL president, replacing Agathon Rwasa.

This official recognition strengthened the position of the new leadership, which the authorities considered the party’s legal representative. But the former Hutu rebel leader rejected this decision, denouncing a “sham congress” and “political mercenary activity.”

He accused the government of fostering dissent within the CNL in order to weaken a party that was then one of the main forces of the Burundian opposition.

According to his supporters, several officials and activists close to the former party president were prevented from participating in the Ngozi congress. They believed his removal was part of a plan to sideline him before the 2025 elections.

For its part, the new CNL leadership defended the legitimacy of the leadership change. It asserted that this decision stemmed from an internal desire to “revitalize” the party, not to exclude its former leader.

“What happened was simply a choice to change the leadership at the top, but it wasn’t a change to exclude Rwasa from the party,” declared the new head of the CNL, affirming that his predecessor remained welcome as a rank-and-file member.

A legal battle with political consequences

The dispute surrounding the leadership of the CNL has already had direct repercussions on the political trajectory of the party’s former president.

During the June 2025 legislative and district elections, his candidacy under the banner of the Burundi Bwa Bose coalition was rejected by the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI). The electoral body criticized him for still being a member of the CNL while running under another political banner.

This decision prevented him from participating in the election and heightened his supporters’ concerns about his political future.

The former unsuccessful candidate in the 2020 presidential election continues to claim his status as the legitimate leader of the CNL. He asserts that he does not intend to create a new political party and maintains that only free and transparent elections can bring about genuine change in Burundi.

A verdict expected before the 2027 presidential election

With the presidential election scheduled for 2027 approaching, the Supreme Court’s ruling is highly anticipated.

A legal victory could allow the CNL’s historic leader to regain a strengthened political position and prepare his return to the electoral arena. Conversely, a ruling in favor of the party’s current leadership could definitively solidify the CNL’s new configuration.

After more than three years of power struggles, the Supreme Court is called upon to decide a case that goes beyond the simple question of leadership within a party. Its verdict could influence the future of the Burundian opposition and impact the political balance in the lead-up to the 2027 presidential election.