SOS Médias Burundi

Gitega, May 26, 2025 — In the midst of the campaign for legislative and district elections scheduled for June 5, the opposition Burundi Bwa Bose coalition promised the release of civilians and soldiers imprisoned following the failed coup of May 13, 2015. This was said during a rally held Sunday in Gitega, the political capital of Burundi.

At this political rally, Patrick Nkurunziza, president of the coalition, announced a series of strong promises ahead of the election. Among major commitments is the release of prisoners currently jailed in Gitega central Prison.

In a frank address, Mr. Nkurunziza denounced the economic and social crisis affecting the country, pointing to a governance marked, according to him, by corruption, cronyism, and diplomatic isolation. « I had to spend a million francs for a 100-km journey. Fuel sells for 300,000 Burundi francs for a 30-liter can on the black market. Even the Imbonerakure (members of the ruling party’s youth league often cited in cases of repression against opponents or perceived opponents) are unhappy : they can no longer find sugar or drinks, » he lamented before a rallied crowd.

The coalition president also deplored the mass exodus of skilled professionals to neighboring countries and the evasion of capital. He accused CNDD-FDD officials of hoarding foreign currency, now stored in foreign banks or hidden in private residences. Furthermore, the coalition leader in Gitega province, Daniel Manirakiza, lamented the lack of logistical resources, particularly fuel, to successfully conduct their campaign. He also denounced the intimidation reportedly suffered by motorcyclists and bicycle taxi riders affiliated with the coalition, who were harassed by members of the ruling party’s youth league, the Imbonerakure.

Kefa Nibizi, spokesperson for the Burundi Bwa Bose coalition, criticized the opposition in exile, accusing it of dissuading citizens from participating in the elections, which he described as the only path to peaceful regime change. He urged coalition officials to exercise increased vigilance until the ballots are counted.

On the programmatic front, Patrick Nkurunziza promised to revise the Constitution to realign it with the Arusha Peace Agreement. He also discussed the restoration of democracy, the return of political refugees, independent media journalists, as well as members of the civil society and the opposition.

Another important promise : the revitalization of diplomatic relations, notably through the reopening of borders with Rwanda.

With less than a few days to go until the major election on June 5, 2025, the Burundi Bwa Bose coalition is positioning itself as a disruptive force, focusing on a narrative of justice, national reconciliation, and democratic revival. It remains to be seen whether this momentum will be enough to mobilize a population battered by a decade of political and socio-economic crisis.