SOS Médias Burundi

Kayanza, May 24, 2025 – A few days before the national test for the ninth grade, the governor of Kayanza province (northern Burundi), Colonel Rémy Cishayo, announced the suspension of all election campaign activities in the province. The decision, taken during a meeting held Thursday, May 22, with administration authorities at the provincial town center, took effect on Friday, May 23, and will remain in effect until May 28, the end of the test.

The governor justifies this measure by noting the increasing frequency of pupil participation in political activities, to the detriment of their preparation for the exam.

« Some pupils are deserting classes to go campaigning, while they should be concentrating on their studies, » he declared.

Educators on the ground had sounded the alarm, reporting the absence of several pupils—and even teachers—from some schools due to the campaign. Several sources accuse local officials of forcing certain pupils, particularly those affiliated with the CNDD-FDD, to participate in political activities to demonstrate strong mobilization.

Parents are concerned about the consequences of this early involvement in political life.

« We fear our children will fail because of this. But we welcome the governor’s decision, » said a parent from Kayanza.

They are calling on the authorities to back up this suspension with concrete measures so that pupils can focus on their exams and, if necessary, resume their political commitments once they are over.

More than 4,000 pupils are expected to take part in the national test in Kayanza province, scheduled for May 26, 27, and 28, 2025.

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Pupils mobilized to participate in a « military » parade on the sidelines of a day dedicated to Imbonerakure, members of the CNDD-FDD youth league, in the commercial city of Bujumbura (SOS Médias Burundi)