When all is said and done, a concerted effort by the African Union can have some real impact. Cooperation towards international isolation, the freezing of assets, travel bans and embargos may be the only way forward.
Burundi articles on Democracy Chronicles
News about the struggle for better democracy in Burundi. Burundi is not a functioning democracy. The ruling party has begun a violent drive to capitalize power in the 2018 referendum that was designed to give the current President the right to stay in power indefinitely. Also see our articles on Africa or on important neighbors of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Experts Gather to Defend Human Rights in Africa’s Great Lakes Region
Meeting to look for ways to reduce violence and human rights abuses through the judicial process
Burundi’s President Promises to Retire in 2020
Deadly political violence and a failed coup attempt followed Nkurunziza’s decision in 2015 to pursue a third term
New Study Links Conflict to Lack of African Term Limits
The connection between term limits and conflict reflects the source of political violence in Africa
New official title for Burundi dictator: The ‘eternal supreme guide’
Ruling party bestowed title of “eternal supreme guide” on President Pierre Nkurunziza, a party official confirmed
Repression buttresses Burundi leader’s bid to extend rule
Bid by Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza could see him hold onto power for another decade or more
Burundi Accused of Arresting Opponents of Constitutional Changes
Burundi’s government recently proposed constitutional changes that would, among other things, allow President Pierre Nkurunziza to stay in office beyond 2020. Civil society groups say the government is arresting opponents of those changes in advance of an upcoming referendum. Officially, Burundi’s government has banned anyone from campaigning for or against the proposed changes to the […]
Burundi president Nkurunziza launches campaign to extend rule
Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza has launched a campaign to promote a referendum to change the constitution, a move that could see him rule until 2034. “It’s the day you’ve been waiting for,” Nkurunziza told a crowd of thousands of farmers in the central district of Gitega on Tuesday. The government adopted a plan in October […]
Malala to Visit Burundian Refugee Camp Inside Rwanda
Malala to enter the Burundian refugee camp in Rwanda if the authorities permit her visitation
Torture Epidemic is Latest Sign of Burundi Discord
Lawlessness and violence mark the growing Burundi discord that threatens to tear nation apart