In the months following the June elections, Burundi found itself in a state of political turmoil marked by intrigue and manipulation. From the CNDD-FDD’s sweep of all seats from local to parliamentary elections the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) announced that 96.51% of the vote went to the CNDD-FDD, despite persistent challenges from the opposition.
Although an apparent truce had taken hold, the threats facing the opposition remained a cause for concern. The population lived in fear amid incessant rumors of agricultural land confiscation by the CNDD-FDD. From July to September, the situation deteriorated with the reelection of Daniel Gélase Ndabirabe, leading to an escalation of events. Political violence became increasingly prevalent, and the irregularities observed during the local elections further deepened the sense of disappointment with the electoral process. Read more