Burundi : a triumphant and controversial return of Révérien Ndikuriyo to Makamba

After several weeks of absence due to health reasons, CNDD-FDD Secretary-General Révérien Ndikuriyo made a highly anticipated public appearance on Monday, March 24, in his native province of Makamba (southern Burundi). His return, announced at the last minute, sparked a massive mobilization, marked by school closures and the shutdown of several public services.
INFO SOS Médias Burundi
While his supporters hailed his return as a victory, others denounced the instrumentalization of institutions for an orchestrated welcome.
A grandiose welcome… imposed?
From dawn, the roads connecting Gitega, Rutana, and Makamba were invaded by activists and Imbonerakure (members of the youth league of the CNDD-FDD, the ruling party) carrying out the ruling party’s instructions. Pupils and civil servants were asked to leave their schools to join the crowd.
« We were told it was mandatory. If we didn’t come, we risked sanctions, » confided a teacher who spoke on condition of anonymity.
A 16-year-old pupil testified :
« I had a math test today, but the principal told us it was canceled because we had to go and welcome Ndikuriyo. I don’t understand why. »
For their part, the Secretary-General’s supporters defended this massive welcome.
« It’s an honor to welcome him after this ordeal. He has given so much for the country ; he deserves this support! », enthuses Déo N., a CNDD-FDD activist from Rutana (southeastern Burundi).
The climax of this mobilization took place in Ndikuriyo’s private stadium in Makamba, where he spoke before an enthusiastic crowd.
A speech tinged with mysticism
During his speech, Ndikuriyo shared his experience of illness with an almost mystical tone.
« I went through a difficult ordeal. For three weeks, I was between life and death. But God gave me a new chance. »
He also spoke of thoughts that came back to him « like in a dream » while he was still ill. Among his major concerns : the mobilization of the Imbonerakure, the security crisis in the DRC, and the organization of the Nkurunziza Cup.
« I want this event to take place, no matter the obstacles. Some want to stop it, but they won’t succeed. »
Between support and criticism
While his supporters welcome his return, some political analysts see this event as a calculated show of force.
« This staging aims to reassure his supporters and reaffirm his political influence, at a time when rumors were circulating about his fragility, » says a Burundian political scientist.
Others denounce the impact of this mobilization on the daily lives of residents.
« It’s scandalous that pupils are removed from classes for partisan activities, » criticizes a teacher from Makamba.
But the CNDD-FDD side rejects these accusations.
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Révérien Ndikuriyo, secretary-general of the CNDD-FDD, returned to Burundi on February 20, 2025, after his hospitalization in Dubai and Kenya (SOS Médias Burundi)