Electoral violence : the Minister of the Interior acknowledges the involvement of members of the CNDD-FDD

SOS Médias Burundi

Bujumbura, June 3, 2025 – Two days before the legislative and district elections, the Burundian Minister of the Interior acknowledged that members of the ruling CNDD-FDD party are involved in acts of intimidation targeting the opposition. He also warned against any post-campaign propaganda, which could be punishable by a fine of up to 4 million Burundi francs.

Minister Martin Niteretse reiterated at a press conference on Tuesday that the election campaign had “generally gone well,” while acknowledging numerous incidents targeting opposition parties, notably the CNL and the “Burundi Bwa Bose” coalition. He confirmed that “the majority of troublemakers are members of the CNDD-FDD” and assured that more than 90% of the perpetrators had been arrested, with the others still being sought by the police.

“Anyone caught spreading propaganda after the legal period is liable to a fine ranging from 800,000 to 4 million francs,” the minister also warned, citing Article 219 of the electoral law.

Violence documented in several provinces

The minister cited several cases of violence and obstruction : threats against candidates, destruction of voter registration cards, and even physical attacks. Incidents were reported in the provinces of Bujumbura, Bubanza, Ruyigi, Kayanza, Gitega, Rutana, Cibitoke, Karusi, and Makamba, according to Mr. Niteretse.

In Nyabitsinda (Ruyigi), a zone chief was arrested after a stone attack on a CNL vehicle. In Kabarore (Kayanza), an administrative councilor is accused of blocking roads to prevent an opposition rally from taking place.

The minister also mentioned the destruction of voter registration cards in Bukirasazi (Gitega), Kivoga (Rutana), Murwi (Cibitoke), and Buhiga (Karusi). Disputes around rally sites were also reported in Mpanda (Bubanza), Isale (Bujumbura), and Gihanga (Bubanza).

“It’s not normal for one individual to throw a stone at another. Some seem to be suffering from mental illness,” Niteretse said.

An expected response to opposition complaints

Faced with the opposition’s multiple warnings of political intolerance and attempts to obstruct the campaign, the minister assured that investigations are underway to ensure justice is done. He nevertheless called for restraint, respect for the law, and the fight against rumors in the coming days.

“The elections will take place in a calm, peaceful, and free atmosphere,” he concluded.