Opposition Decries Political Intolerance in Burundi as 2025 Election Campaign Begins

As Burundi officially kicks off its 2025 electoral campaign season, opposition parties have raised alarm over what they describe as escalating political repression and systematic exclusion ahead of the upcoming communal and legislative elections.

At the campaign launch event held Friday in Gitega, the country’s political capital, Nestor Girukwishaka, president of the opposition party National Congress for Liberty (CNL), delivered a sharp critique of the political climate. Representing the broader opposition bloc, Girukwishaka condemned what he termed “systematic harassment and unequal treatment” of opposition figures across the country.

“There is growing intolerance throughout the country,” Girukwishaka warned. “Opposition members are being harassed and prevented from carrying out their activities. Some local authorities outright deny opposition parties the right to operate in their regions.”

Girukwishaka further accused ruling party members and some local government officials of orchestrating intimidation campaigns against opposition supporters. “In some provinces, citizens who refuse to join the ruling party face beatings, threats, and harassment—even in their own homes,” he alleged.

His remarks mirror recent grievances voiced by the Burundi Bwa Bose coalition, which condemned what it sees as double standards in the justice system. The coalition cited a case in Nyanza-Lac where one of its activists was assaulted, but the alleged perpetrator—reportedly shielded by political allies—has yet to be arrested. Meanwhile, in the new Burunga Province, several coalition members say they are being targeted in what they describe as politically motivated crackdowns.

“The person who attacked our member in Nyanza-Lac remains free, shielded by his peers,” the coalition posted on social media platform X. “Yet our activists are being relentlessly hunted in Burunga.”

In a similar case in December 2024, the opposition party Congress for Democracy and Progress (CDP) denounced the arrest of two of its members in Mabanda Commune, Makamba Province in southern Burundi, calling the arrests “unjust” and politically driven.

Responding to the mounting concerns, President Evariste Ndayishimiye on Friday issued a stern warning against those who disrupt the electoral process. “Anyone who intimidates or abuses others will be punished strictly in accordance with the law,” he said, adding  that “such actions are not supported by any law in this country.”

The President called on the judiciary to treat election-related disruptions as severe offenses. “Anyone who sabotages the elections is sabotaging Burundi’s future,” he said. “This should be treated as an aggravating circumstance.”

Concerns Over Electoral Fairness and Representation Grow

Girukwishaka also raised issues with the composition of Burundi’s electoral institutions, accusing the ruling party of monopolizing key positions and marginalizing the opposition. “Despite being the second largest party, CNL has been virtually excluded from the electoral commission,” he said.

According to Girukwishaka, the appointment of electoral staff has been marred by gross imbalances. “Out of 14,156 polling station officers nationwide, CNL received only 164 appointments—just 0.23%, which clearly violates Article 40, paragraph one of the electoral law,” he said.

In response, Girukwishaka urged the government to immediately halt what he called persecution against opposition supporters and ensure a level playing field. “As this campaign period begins, do everything possible to ensure that no one is harassed or mistreated because of their opinions or because they do not belong to the ruling party,” he appealed.

The opposition’s demands also include equitable access to fuel, fair airtime on state media, and guarantees of security for all parties without favoritism—rights they say are enshrined in Burundian law.

According to a presidential decree issued Friday, the electoral campaign period for Members of Parliament and Communal Councillors will run from May 13 to June 2, with campaign activities permitted daily from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

At the campaign launch, President Ndayishimiye reiterated the importance of neutrality among public officials and equitable media access for all candidates. “Government leaders must remain impartial”. “All candidates and parties should have equal media coverage—no favouritism,” he added.