Burundi : in Gitega, the CNDD-FDD crusade reveals the fractures between unity rhetoric and criticism of governance

SOS Médias Burundi

Gitega, April 23, 2026—A crusade organized by the CNDD-FDD was held in Gitega, bringing together party officials and activists for religious and political activities. The event, marked by an opening mass, official speeches, and spiritual activities, was dominated by calls for unity, cohesion, and exemplary conduct within the political party. It comes at a time when voices, including religious and civil society groups, continue to raise concerns related to governance, corruption, and the management of public affairs.

In Gitega, Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye praised the progress already made by members of the CNDD-FDD, commonly known as Bagumyabanga, during the crusade organized in the political capital.

The event began with an inaugural mass celebrated at the Saint Francis of Assisi Parish in Magarama, where the Archbishop of Gitega, Bonaventure Nahimana, focused his homily on the values ​​of love, unity, forgiveness, reconciliation, and peaceful coexistence. However, the prelate also denounced persistent problems, including widespread corruption, the squandering of public funds, and social injustices.

At the Ingoma Stadium in Gitega, the Head of State recalled that Burundi had gone through a period marked by deep divisions, affirming that the country is now committed to the path of development. In a brief address, he indicated that this crusade aims to evaluate the party’s achievements through its national committee.

According to Évariste Ndayishimiye, this evaluation will help define the next steps, particularly in the area of ​​development. He also urged the Bagumyabanga (party members) to set an example and not forget their roots, emphasizing the need for strong leadership to restore Burundi’s image.

Despite the importance of the event, participation remained relatively low. Most of the meeting was devoted to religious chants and dances of a spiritual nature. The crusade is scheduled to conclude with an extraordinary congress on April 26, 2026, also in Gitega.

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 itself, 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 profound economic and social difficulties.

In a context marked by a persistent fuel crisis for several years, critics believe that certain public priorities are sometimes relegated to the back burner in favor of political and organizational activities. These accusations particularly concern the use of logistical resources for events organized by the ruling party, while shortages affect several sectors of daily life.

In Gitega, a strong mobilization of institutions was also observed, with several members of the government and senior administrative officials participating in the rally. Some critics believe that these movements contribute to slowing down the functioning of the state and certain public services, in a context where administrative continuity remains a major challenge.