Burundi : Ndayishimiye recycles threats of dismissals during a CNDD-FDD crusade

SOS Médias Burundi

Gitega, January 22, 2026 – Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye has once again promised to sanction officials deemed ineffective within the public administration, even mentioning possible dismissals. This statement was made during the inaugural mass of the CNDD-FDD crusade, held at the Saint Francis of Assisi Parish in Magarama, in the political capital, Gitega. Scheduled to last three days, this crusade is part of a series of politico-religious gatherings regularly organized by the ruling party.

Education in decline and J
justice under scrutiny

In his homily, Archbishop Bonaventure Nahimana of Gitega painted an alarming picture of the national situation, particularly in the education and justice sectors. He denounced the continued decline in the quality of education, marked by a lack of teaching materials, the deterioration of school infrastructure, and the mass exodus of experienced teachers abroad.

The archbishop also highlighted the normalization of exam cheating, which he considers a direct threat to the future of Burundian youth.

Regarding the judiciary, Archbishop Nahimana condemned a system he deems corrupt and manipulated. “Justice must not be a breeding ground for corruption, but a pillar of fairness and independence,” he insisted, calling for urgent reforms to preserve social cohesion.

Révérien Ndikuriyo denounces internal corruption within the party

The Secretary General of the CNDD-FDD, Révérien Ndikuriyo, celebrated the party’s victory in the 2025 elections, which he described as “historic.” However, he acknowledged the existence of internal problems, accusing certain officials of accepting bribes and arbitrarily excluding citizens—practices he characterized as a betrayal of the party’s ideals.

Repeated promises, little followed by action

Speaking to the party, President Ndayishimiye stated that he would not hesitate to remove “bad leaders,” while calling for responsible and effective leadership. Similar statements have been made repeatedly in recent years, without any major structural changes being observed within the public administration.

The head of state urged CNDD-FDD members, commonly known as Abagumyabanga, to focus on development activities and the fight against poverty. “Don’t be afraid, Burundi is well protected,” he told the audience.

Increasingly controversial political crusades

Since coming to power in 2005, following the Arusha Agreement of August 2000, the former Hutu rebellion, now the ruling party, has regularly organized crusades dedicated to its own cause, in addition to government crusades and those initiated by the presidential family.
Local observers and civil society activists denounce these events as pointless, politically manipulated, and costly to public finances in a country facing deep economic and social difficulties.