Burundi’s opposition party, Sahwanya-FRODEBU, has temporarily suspended long time member and former First Vice President Frédéric Bamvuginyumvira after he publicly endorsed regime change through armed struggle, sparking political uproar both at home and abroad.
The suspension, announced in a statement on Thursday, comes in the wake of remarks Bamvuginyumvira made during a joint opposition event held in the Belgian capital Brussels last week. Speaking alongside other exiled Burundian political leaders, the longtime opposition figure sharply criticized the conduct of Burundi’s recent June 5 elections and called for the use of force to bring about political change.
In its statement, Sahwanya-FRODEBU accused Bamvuginyumvira of gross misconduct and violating the party’s core principles.
“He displayed behavior contrary to the ideals, principles, values, and political line of the Sahwanya-FRODEBU Party,” according to the statement.
The party’s leadership emphasized that Bamvuginyumvira’s statements do not reflect its position and announced his provisional suspension, barring him from any involvement in party activities until the National Disciplinary Council convenes to examine the matter.
Bamvuginyumvira, who served as First Vice President from 1998 to 2001 during a critical phase of Burundi’s post-war transition, is one of the country’s most recognized opposition voices. He has been living in exile for years and remains a vocal critic of the ruling CNDD-FDD party.
During the Brussels event, the former vice president appeared alongside leaders from three exiled opposition coalitions—CFOR Arusha, CN-Ingériya Rugamba, and MAP Burundi. Together, they accused the Burundian government of widespread electoral fraud, including forced voting, intimidation, and confiscation of voter cards.
“We saw blatant electoral theft,” Bamvuginyumvira said, according to BBC Gahuza. “We can no longer tolerate the regime’s deception. We will take up arms to free our country. They may want to kill us, but we are ready to fight—even with bows and arrows.”
The statement triggered swift condemnation in Gitega. Government officials criticized the rhetoric as inflammatory and irresponsible, while some opposition figures distanced themselves from any calls to violence.
Burundi’s Ambassador to Brussels, Thérence Ntahiraja, welcomed Sahwanya-FRODEBU’s response.
“This decision by the party is wise,” Ntahiraja posted on X (formerly Twitter), adding that “its main leader—who is the hero of democracy in Burundi—has never supported such violent ideologies.”
As of Friday, Bamvuginyumvira had not issued any public response to the suspension.
Sahwanya-FRODEBU, once the dominant political force in Burundi, has struggled in recent years to maintain its influence amid political crackdowns and internal rifts. Bamvuginyumvira’s suspension marks a significant moment for the party as it seeks to preserve its democratic legacy while navigating increasingly volatile political terrain.
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