The Burundi Organization for the Defense of Children’s Rights (OIDEB) has issued a strong call to politicians and political parties to refrain from exploiting students for electoral purposes ahead of the 2025 elections. Félix Sindayigaya, the organization’s coordinator, voiced concerns over the detrimental impact of student involvement in political campaigns, urging students to focus on their education rather than be swayed by the agendas of political figures.
Sindayigaya emphasized that using students for political campaigns distracts them from their primary mission of studying, which can negatively affect their academic performance. He cautioned that students, by following political ideologies, often lose sight of their education, and that politicians typically benefit from their involvement, using them to secure votes. He urged parents to closely monitor their children’s involvement, ensuring they remain focused on their academic goals.
“The impact of political campaigning on students is significant. They often get distracted and end up following the opinions of politicians instead of focusing on their studies, which leads to negative consequences. While politicians pursue their own agendas during campaign periods, students are left to deal with the repercussions on their education,” Sindayigaya said, according to local broadcaster Bonesha FM.
The involvement of students in Burundi’s electoral process has long been a topic of concern, as they are frequently mobilized to back political candidates or participate in rallies. Although this can enhance political awareness, it also raises concerns about the potential manipulation of young people for political advantage. At times, political campaigns can foster divisions and violence, undermining the peaceful integrity of the election process.
As the elections approach, calls for a balanced approach to student involvement in political activities have intensified, with authorities urging students to focus on their education and refrain from becoming pawns in the political struggle.
Meanwhile, in the northern province of Ngozi, Governor Désiré Minani emphasized the importance of youth involvement in fostering peace and tolerance during the election period. At a youth awareness workshop organized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (CNIDH) in December 2024, Minani urged young political affiliates to avoid conflicts and violence, stressing the importance of respecting differing political views and upholding peaceful coexistence.
Minani’s call is echoed by Anaclet Nzohabonayo, Vice President of CNIDH, who has urged young people to resist political manipulation and refrain from engaging in acts of aggression. Nzohabonayo also highlighted the importance of accepting election results and ensuring that elections remain free from violence and intimidation.
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