Burundi’s main opposition party, the National Congress for Liberty (CNL), has used the occasion of its seventh anniversary to renew calls for electoral reform, political dialogue and urgent economic measures, warning that the country is facing a “de facto one-party system” following the 2025 general elections.
In a statement issued on Saturday, party leaders reflected on seven years of political struggle and raised concerns about what they described as a worsening economic crisis and the steady erosion of political pluralism.
Founded in 2019, the CNL positioned itself as a key opposition force advocating for multiparty democracy. Over the years, it has built a significant support base, particularly among young people and in rural communities.
But since the 2025 general elections, Burundi’s political landscape has shifted dramatically. Today, there is no opposition party represented in the government, and Parliament is composed entirely of members from the ruling party CNDD-FDD.
At a press conference held in the country’s economic capital Bujumbura on the same occasion, party leader Nestor Girukwishaka described the current institutional setup as a “de facto one-party system,” arguing that the dominance of a single political force in both the executive and legislative branches risks turning Burundi into a party-state.
Reflecting on Seven Years
Under the theme calling for the fight for “a democratic and just government born of fair elections,” the party held a conclave bringing together senior officials from the national level down to communal representatives, as well as members of its student wing.
The discussions focused on two main issues: assessing the party’s situation and the state of the country after the 2025 elections and preparing for the 2027 polls.
Party leaders paid tribute to their members, both inside the country and abroad, for what they described as resilience in the face of political pressure and repeated challenges. The statement emphasized that, despite obstacles, the CNL remains committed to what it calls its core values — freedom, justice, social harmony, prosperity and human dignity.
The CNL reiterated its rejection of the 2025 election results, alleging serious irregularities in the organization and conduct of the vote. It maintains that the outcome did not reflect the will of the electorate and says the problems stem from an electoral process that lacks independence and transparency.
According to the party, as long as elections are overseen by bodies it considers insufficiently independent and inclusive, the country will struggle to produce legitimate institutions.
With the next election scheduled for 2027, the CNL is calling for reforms to ensure a more credible process. It also expressed willingness to engage in political dialogue with the government, provided it is sincere and focused on the national interest.
Beyond political grievances, much of the statement focused on the daily realities facing Burundians.
The party described the economic situation as “critical and worrying,” pointing to rising prices, shortages of foreign currency, fuel scarcity and declining purchasing power. It also cited high youth unemployment, low public sector salaries contributing to brain drain, deteriorating education standards and what it characterized as widespread corruption.
For many households, the CNL argued, the cost of living has become increasingly unbearable in the year since the 2025 elections.
A Call for Reform and Unity
In its recommendations, the party called on the government to promote transparent and accountable governance, strengthen agricultural production and local industry, reform the education system, ensure judicial independence and combat corruption more effectively. It also urged better management of the country’s mineral resources to address pressing national challenges.
The CNL appealed to its supporters to remain steadfast and not be swayed by what it called misinformation circulating on social media. The party also called on the international community to play a more active role in supporting Burundi as it navigates political and economic difficulties.
As it enters its eighth year, the CNL says its goal remains unchanged: a Burundi “reconciled with itself, confident in its future and capable of offering dignified living conditions to every citizen.”
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