With just over a week into the official campaign period for Burundi’s upcoming legislative and communal council elections, several opposition parties say they are struggling to reach voters due to ongoing fuel shortages.
The government had promised that fuel would be available to all parties during the campaign period. However, opposition leaders claim the reality on the ground tells a different story.
Abdoul Kassim, president of UPD Zigamibanga , says that while his party hasn’t faced major internal issues, the fuel crisis remains a significant obstacle.
“Fuel shortages are affecting everyone. Our supporters and the general public are having trouble moving around, which makes it difficult for us to connect with them,” Kassim told local reporters. “We’re asking the government to ensure fuel is available as soon as possible, so we can make the most of the days remaining in the campaign.”
The CDP party is facing similar challenges. According to party president Anicet Niyonkuru, the CDP was unable to take part in the official campaign launch in Gitega earlier this month due to lack of fuel.
Ferdinand Nkurunziza, the party’s secretary-general and spokesperson, confirmed on Friday that none of their vehicles had received fuel allocations. “We simply haven’t been able to move,” he said.
Independent candidates are also feeling the squeeze. Jules Niyongabo, who is running for a parliamentary seat, said the situation is especially risky for independents. “We’re receiving fuel under very difficult conditions. If we’re caught buying from the black market, we risk being disqualified or even jailed,” he said.
Meanwhile, Interior Minister Martin Niteretse has denied any problems. He said all political parties were put in touch with his office, and a list of their fuel needs was sent to the national fuel supplier, SOPEBU. “No complaints have been filed at that level,” the minister said.
He added that provincial governors and police commissioners have been tasked with overseeing distribution to ensure everyone who needs fuel—whether political parties or ordinary citizens—gets it. “As far as we’re concerned, the situation is under control,” he said.
President Évariste Ndayishimiye gave similar assurances at the launch of the campaign. “SOPEBU has already contacted parties to collect their fuel. We’re doing everything we can to make sure no one runs out during this period,” he said, adding that all fuel stations should be fully stocked. “We don’t want anyone saying they couldn’t campaign because they didn’t get fuel while others did.”
Still, the issue of fuel scarcity is not new in Burundi. The country has been grappling with intermittent fuel shortages for more than three years, disrupting transportation, trade, and now—political campaigning.
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