Burundi : electoral tensions despite calls for tolerance

SOS Médias Burundi

Bujumbura, May 27, 2025 – While President Évariste Ndayishimiye called, during the official launch of the electoral campaign on May 9 in Gitega (the political capital), for political competition based on mutual respect and tolerance, the reality on the ground seems completely at odds with this commitment.

The opposition denounces intimidation and obstacles. As the third week of campaigning for the legislative and district elections begins, leaders of the Burundi Bwa Bose coalition and those of the CDP (Congress for Democracy and Progress) are sounding the alarm. They report recurring intimidation, threats, and obstacles to their political activities.

Cases reported in several provinces

These acts are reportedly particularly prevalent in the provinces of Gitega, Butanyerera, Burunga, and Buhumuza. Members of the CNDD-FDD youth league, the Imbonerakure, are being singled out. They are accused of provoking opponents, disrupting meetings, and chanting threatening slogans. A recurring refrain : Ntituzorekura (“We will never cede power”), sparking fear and mistrust within the opposition ranks.

The CNDD-FDD rejects the accusations.

The ruling party denies any involvement in violence or intimidation. In a statement released to the press, a spokesperson assured : “Our party is committed to a peaceful campaign, as requested by the president. We cannot be held responsible for isolated cases.” The CNDD-FDD insists that its young activists are only “supervising the party’s activities in a civic spirit.”

Voter and international community expectations

In this tense climate, Burundian voters are hoping for a peaceful campaign and a free election. “We want to vote without fear,” confided a citizen we met in Burunga.

The international community is also closely monitoring the process. Bodies such as the East African Community (EAC) and the United Nations have called for inclusive, transparent, and peaceful elections. Any slip-up could harm the country’s image and hamper efforts toward political stability and regional cooperation.

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President Évariste Ndayishimiye addresses people who attended the launch of the electoral campaign, May 9, 2025, DR