Tensions Mount in Burundi as Elections Approach (Part I)

Observers who follow Burundi closely have had a growing fear that the nation is slipping slowly back into the awful years of intercommunal violence, civil war, bad governance, and a failed economy.  Burundi's 2005 election cycle and ratification of a new constitution had inspired new hopes for advances for democracy, the rule of law, protection for human rights, and reconciliation and inclusion after the successful integration of armed rebel groups into the security and political fabric of the nation.

Unfortunately, in the aftermath of the 2010 elections, which featured an electoral boycott by most opposition parties and a dramatic expansion of the CNDD-FDD ruling party's power and influence, the rule of law in Burundi began to erode, violence in the form of political retribution and competition began to increase, public and political space was restricted, and the willingness of political parties to work for common goals disappeared. Burundi remains one of the poorest countries on earth, with no increase in job creation or improvement in living conditions since the ceasefires and return to majority rule of the last decade. Impoverishment is pervasive.

As the 2015 national elections approach, there seems to be little hope that Burundi will be able to end this downward spiral.  Violence is increasing on several fronts.  Political intimidation is becoming very common, with no party blameless. The biggest perpetrator, however, is the the ruling party, CNDD-FDD. Its youth group, Imbonerakure has been likened to a militia and are often seen marching in military attire.  They reportedly intimidate citizens, particularly members of the political opposition, through harassment, torture, rape, and killings.  The CNDD-FDD officially denies any connection to such activities, but the Imbonerakure seem to operate with impunity.  At the same time, fighting between the national army and remaining rebel forces which haven't honored the earlier ceasefires has being increasing.  The most recent event was a five-day battle in late-December 2014 between the army and rebel forces reported to be from the National Liberation Front (FNL).The battle occurred in Cibitoke, which over the years has been on a regular infiltration route for rebels based in the South Kivu Province around the port town of Uvira in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).  Unofficial accounts report over 100 rebels killed. There have also been a number of clashes between the DRC national army (FARDC) and Burundian rebel groups over the last few weeks.

While violence has become increasingly pervasive, the political space has been shrinking as well.  In a country that has never had a robust press, journalistic freedoms have recently become even more heavily restricted.  In June 2014, the government adopted a law that threatened the protection of sources and restricted the subjects on which journalists can report. Under the new law, journalists can be prosecuted and made to pay heavy fines for reporting about the economy or national security.  Journalists have also been harassed and imprisoned.

Steve McDonald is a Public Policy Scholar and Former Director of the Africa Program at the Wilson Center.

Photo courtesy of United Nations Photo via Flickr Commons

Please note that this is the first of articles in a two part series. Find the second part here.