The repressive structures established during the 2015 crisis remain intact, with the ruling party’s youth wing, the Imbonerakure, continuing to intimidate perceived opponents. Recent incidents, including the sentencing of Dr. Christopher Sahabo on politically motivated charges and attacks on journalists such as Willy Kwizera, underscore the persistent climate of fear. The economic fallout has been severe; the country is among the world’s poorest, with 70% of the population living in poverty and over half of children under five suffering from malnutrition. Corruption and authoritarian policies have discouraged foreign investment and aid, stifling the private sector and deepening the humanitarian crisis.
“If women are left out, Burundi will keep losing,” said Marie Louise Baricako, a Burundian women’s rights defender. “How can you hope to develop when 52 per cent of your population are left aside?”
Photo by SMKN 1 GANTAR / Pexels
Regional Tensions and Diplomatic Isolation
Burundi’s internal instability is compounded by deteriorating relations with its neighbors. The country has deployed troops to the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo to support Kinshasa against the M23 armed group, which is backed by Rwanda. Relations between Burundi and Rwanda collapsed in early 2024, with Bujumbura closing borders and suspending diplomatic ties. Rwanda has accused Burundi of hosting fighters from the FDLR, a militia linked to the 1994 genocide, an allegation the Burundian government denies. UN Special Rapporteur Fortuné Gaetan Zongo has warned of a “real risk” of regional destabilization, noting that a collapse in the Congo would deeply affect Burundi. Meanwhile, approximately 78,000 Congolese refugees have crossed into Burundi this year, straining a nation already struggling to meet its own humanitarian needs.
The Call for Accountability
The failure to establish meaningful accountability for abuses committed before, during, and after the 2015 crisis has undermined trust in national and regional institutions. Despite the 2000 Arusha Accords, which sought to restore peace through a power-sharing framework, the ruling party’s decision to extend presidential term limits without national consensus was viewed by many as a breach of the social contract. Since 2015, more than 400,000 people have fled the country, with many remaining in exile. While a new National Human Rights Commission was elected in May, it faces questions about its independence and ability to investigate abuses. Human rights defenders emphasize that justice and accountability are prerequisites for sustainable peace, urging that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission focus on delivering truth rather than advancing the interests of the ruling party. The international community is increasingly calling for an inclusive national dialogue, though the absence of conditions for credible participation remains a significant obstacle.
Sarah Miller writes about global affairs, foreign policy, and major diplomatic developments. She follows political relationships between countries, regional tensions, international negotiations, and the broader consequences of geopolitical decisions. Sarah combines timely reporting with background research to help readers understand not only what has happened, but also the developments shaping the story.
