Without Functional Governance Frameworks, Africa Can’t Develop
When the former president of the United States Bill Clinton put forward his proposition of becoming the American president, he knew exactly what the Americans needed. He knew it was “economy stupid”. This was the clarity and focus of his presidency. The mission was clear and resonated with the American voters. This seems a rare […]
Muted Response to Nkurunziza’s Third Term Amid Calls for Talks to Resume
A week after President Pierre Nkurunziza’s inauguration only a few leaders had sent messages of congratulations as he started his third term in office. Foreign ministries in the region told The EastAfrican that they are yet to deliver formal messages of congratulations. Reports indicate that Russia and China congratulated the president. Some Western countries have […]
Rwanda and Burundi – Who’s ‘Promoting Instability Through Violence’?
Burundi has received far greater vilification from the West compared to Rwanda which has supported rebels in neighbouring countries and whose government is accused of widespread assassinations and forced disappearances targeting the opposition and the media. Burundi appears to provide perfect cover for the odious Kigali regime and its backers abroad. As Burundian voters went […]
Burundi President Pierre Nkurunziza’s CNDD-FDD party wins election
The ruling party in Burundi has won the parliamentary election boycotted by the main opposition parties. The UN has said media restrictions and violence meant the environment was not conducive to free, credible elections. Unrest started in April after President Pierre Nkurunziza said he would run for a third term – something protesters say is […]
Vice President Gervais Rufyikiri Flees Burundi
One of Burundi’s vice-presidents has fled the country, saying he felt threatened after opposing President Pierre Nkurunziza’s third-term bid. Burundi has seen months of turmoil since Mr Nkurunziza announced that he would be running for office again in July’s election. Gervais Rufyikiri told France24 TV that a third term for the president would be unconstitutional. […]
Grenade Attacks in Burundi Injures 11 Security Officials
Security officials in Burundi say 11 policemen have been injured in overnight grenade attacks in the capital Bujumbura. Blasts and gunfire were heard across the city during the simultaneous attacks on police posts and vehicles. The attacks took place in districts that have seen protests against President Pierre Nkurunziza’s intention to seek re-election. Since his […]
Video Exposes Police During Burundi Protests
Human Rights Watch today released a short video on police abuses during demonstrations that began on April 26, 2015, in the Burundian capital, Bujumbura. Burundian police have used excessive force against people protesting President Pierre Nkurunziza’s election bid for a third term. Police have shot at crowds indiscriminately and severely beaten demonstrators and detainees. Dozens […]
Pro-government “Militia” Youth Linked to Burundi Violence
African Union leaders meeting in Johannesburg on Sunday are expected to discuss the months of seething popular unrest in Burundi. One UN official has warned the violence was being stoked by pro-government youth militia. Hopes that fresh elections would lift Burundi out of violence and constitutional crisis, which has engulfed the country since late April, […]
Burundi Election Boycott Following Delay to Polls
Burundi’s opposition and protesters in the capital Bujumbura are likely to boycott the country’s delayed elections, according to analysts. Burundi’s presidency on Wednesday confirmed that parliamentary elections will go ahead on 29 June and a presidential poll on 15 July. The announcement confirms a proposal by the electoral commission pushing the presidential polls back by […]
Assisting Burundi Break the Cycle of Violence
Burundi rarely makes international headlines or attracts the attention of global politicians – and when it does it is sadly for all the wrong reasons. This is tragically the case today. President Pierre Nkurunziza’s controversial decision to run for a third presidential term has sparked a surge of violence. What is happening in the country, […]
