Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye has been officially named as the ruling party’s candidate for next year’s presidential election, positioning him as the frontrunner in a vote already drawing criticism from opposition figures and rights groups.
The announcement was made Sunday by the CNDD-FDD party, which confirmed in a post on X that the 57-year-old leader would seek a new seven-year mandate. While the election is expected to take place next year, authorities have yet to announce a firm date.
Ndayishimiye responded by expressing gratitude to party members for their support. “I pledge to continue the work we are doing, with all of you, so that all Burundi profits in peace,” he said.
A former general and longtime insider in Burundi’s political establishment, Ndayishimiye has led the impoverished East African nation since 2020. He assumed office following the sudden death of his predecessor, Pierre Nkurunziza, under whom he held several senior roles.
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His candidacy comes as little surprise. Backed by the powerful CNDD-FDD, Ndayishimiye is widely considered the favourite in the upcoming election. His initial victory in May 2020, however, was marred by allegations of fraud and the disqualification of a key opposition challenger—issues that continue to cast a shadow over Burundi’s electoral credibility.
Opposition voices have already cast doubt on the integrity of the forthcoming vote. Epitace Nshimirimana, spokesperson for the Movement for Solidarity and Development (MSD), said the election “will not be an election by international standards.”
He accused the president of failing to address critical economic challenges, including shortages of fuel and foreign currency. “This means he is being given another seven years to go on impoverishing and destroying the country,” Nshimirimana added. The MSD’s leader currently lives in exile.
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Burundi remains one of the world’s poorest nations, and Ndayishimiye’s presidency has been marked by a delicate balancing act between reform and control. While he has at times signaled a willingness to ease the grip of powerful military figures, critics say his government continues to maintain tight political authority.
International organizations, including the United Nations and several NGOs, have repeatedly raised concerns over human rights violations in the country, citing reports of arbitrary detentions, disappearances, and restrictions on political freedoms.
Recent developments have further underscored tensions within Burundi’s political landscape. Earlier this month, the country’s media and communications minister died in what the government described as a car accident, though questions remain about the circumstances surrounding his death.
Meanwhile, former prime minister Alain-Guillaume Bunyoni—once one of the most influential figures in the government—was released on medical grounds after serving part of a life sentence linked to an alleged coup plot. Bunyoni had been dismissed in 2022 shortly after Ndayishimiye warned of threats against his administration.
Burundi’s political climate continues to be shaped by the legacy of the 2015 crisis, when protests erupted over Nkurunziza’s controversial bid for a third term. The unrest was violently suppressed, leaving an estimated 1,200 people dead and forcing tens of thousands into exile, according to the International Criminal Court.
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As the country heads toward another election cycle, concerns remain high over whether the process will be free, fair, and inclusive.
Ndayishimiye, who currently also serves as chairperson of the African Union for a one-year term beginning in February, is expected to leverage both his domestic influence and regional profile as he campaigns to extend his rule.
