With just days left before Burundians head to the polls for legislative and communal council elections, several opposition parties and independent candidates are raising alarm over persistent political intolerance and harassment of their supporters—allegedly by ruling party sympathizers.
In Bubanza province, part of the extended region of Bujumbura, the Burundi Bwa Bose coalition says its campaign activities were disrupted earlier this week by individuals believed to be affiliated with the ruling CNDD-FDD party.
“There are people who came this morning and tore down our flags,” said Apollinaire Nzeyimana, the coalition’s local representative. “It’s disheartening to see such behavior in a country that claims to be walking the path of democracy.”
Nzeyimana has called for those behind the incident to be held accountable and is demanding that the coalition’s campaign materials be returned.
The opposition party UPRONA has also reported similar concerns from the same region. Jean Claude Ndihokubwayo, the party’s provincial leader, said some of their supporters have faced intimidation aimed at discouraging them from attending rallies.
“Some of our members have even left their homes out of fear for their safety,” he said.
Independent parliamentary candidate Dieudonné Nahimana shared a similar experience. He said a group of his supporters—mostly bicycle taxi drivers—had planned to welcome him during a recent event, but some backed out after being threatened.
“We had informed local authorities of the meeting,” Nahimana said. “But soon after, some supporters told us they were being intimidated—some even today. I don’t know who is behind it, but I ask that people respect the president’s call for democratic values, made recently in Gitega.”
Allegations of harassment have become increasingly common since the campaign period began, with opposition parties frequently accusing ruling party members and local officials of obstructing their efforts.
Last week, the CDP party reported the arrest of one of its parliamentary candidates in Burunga province and condemned what it called escalating political repression. The CNL party also reported a string of incidents this week involving intimidation of its supporters.
Despite these reports, the Ministry of Interior insisted earlier in the campaign that the process was unfolding peacefully, aside from a few isolated incidents.
Amid these mounting tensions, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference (CECAB) issued a call last week urging all political actors to practice mutual respect and help ensure a peaceful and credible election.
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