SOS Médias Burundi

Gitega, August 30, 2025 – In a locked-down capital under heavy security, the Burundian government celebrated the 9th Imbonerakure Day, coupled with the CNDD-FDD’s 20th anniversary of rule, on Saturday. Between a show of force and propaganda, the ruling party attempted to reassure the population while intimidating its critics.

During his speech at Ingoma Stadium, President Évariste Ndayishimiye declared : « You opponents, know this : you cannot drive out a mountain; you will be forced to join the CNDD-FDD. You children, if you can study and complete your studies, it wasn’t like that. If you can get medical treatment, drink milk, or eat an omelet, it wasn’t like that before. » All borders are well guarded by law enforcement. »

CNDD-FDD Secretary-General Reverien Ndikuriyo recalled :
« The Bagumyabanga agreed to shed their blood so that the country could regain peace and security. Now, Burundians can cultivate, harvest, conceive, and give birth. »
He warned that any disruption would be punished, recalling that the CNDD-FDD was « born from the blood that was shed. »

Regional support and cooperation

The special envoy of the UDPS (Union for Democracy and Social Progress), the ruling party in the DRC, praised the military cooperation between the DRC and Burundi :
« In the face of the aggression carried out by the Rwandan regime via the M23, Burundi’s support for peace in the Great Lakes and elsewhere in Africa is an inspiration. The pooling of forces between the FARDC (Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo) and the Burundian army demonstrates solidarity and pan-Africanism. »

The CNDD-FDD highlighted its role in the deployment of approximately 10,000 Burundian soldiers alongside the FARDC and allied militias against the M23, while Rwanda continues to reject the Congolese accusations.

A representative of the CCM (Chama cha Mapinduzi), the ruling party in Tanzania, added : « We know the challenges Burundi is facing. Those who set traps for you are enemies of the CNDD-FDD, even in our country in Tanzania. »

CNDD-FDD : 20 years in power and the opposition neutralized

The CNDD-FDD, a former Hutu rebellion that emerged after the assassination of Melchior Ndadaye in 1993, has been in power since 2005 thanks to the Arusha Peace Agreement (2000). It now dominates parliament and the government, sidelining all opposition, including Agathon Rwasa, a former Hutu rebel leader.

Before the double ceremony, several activities were organized across the country where party representatives, including its secretary general, delivered speeches intimidating and threatening opponents and perceived opponents, highlighting the Imbonerakure (members of the CNDD-FDD youth league), the pillars of the party’s control and security.

An unprecedented economic crisis

Despite the party’s positive image, the country is experiencing its worst economic crisis : inflation at 45%, fuel shortages for 57 months, and Burundi’s ranking as the poorest country in the world by the World Bank.

The Imbonerakure, presented as pillars of development, are often cited in acts of assassination, intimidation, and harassment. The UN describes them as a militia, while the government acknowledges their role in border security and night patrols alongside the police.