A significant workshop convened in Burundi this week, bringing together a diverse array of stakeholders to deliberate on the upcoming 2027 presidential election. The gathering included representatives from political parties, parliamentarians, local elected officials, civil society organizations, media, religious leaders, university professors, former high dignitaries, and other influential opinion leaders. The primary objective of this assembly was to foster a full dialogue concerning the key political, institutional, and social issues that are anticipated to shape Burundi's ongoing electoral process. Jean-Claude Nduwayo, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of the Interior, Community Development and Public Security, officially opened the event, showing the government's commitment to the initiative. Participants at the workshop collectively committed to contributing to strengthening good governance, consolidating peace, and creating a favorable environment for an inclusive, peaceful, and credible presidential election scheduled for 2027. This commitment reflects a shared vision for a stable and democratically strong future for Burundi.
Key Participants and Objectives
The workshop aimed to establish a dialogue space concerning key political, institutional, and social issues expected to influence Burundi's ongoing electoral process. This initiative originated from NIMD and its partners, receiving essential support from the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The Embassy provided this assistance through the project 'Foundations for an inclusive and peaceful policy in Burundi - FIPP', which it also finances. The Netherlands Embassy in Burundi is a key backer of the 'Foundations for an inclusive and peaceful policy in Burundi' project, demonstrating international commitment to Burundi's democratic development. The overall project aims to accompany national actors in creating an environment favorable to inclusive and peaceful elections not only in 2027 but also for the 2025 electoral cycle.
Speakers at the event included prominent representatives from key national institutions such as CENI (National Independent Electoral Commission), CNIDH (National Independent Human Rights Commission), and the Institution of the Ombudsman, alongside several former high officials. These speakers offered diverse perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing Burundi's electoral landscape. Among the distinguished political leaders present were Olivier Nkurunziza, who serves as the President of UPRONA, and Gabriel Banzawitonde, President of APDR, who has been designated as a candidate for the 2027 presidential election. Their presence noted the direct engagement of political figures in the dialogue. Former high officials participating in the workshop included Léonce Ngendakumana, former President of the National Assembly; Jérémie Ngendakumana, former Secretary General of the ruling party; and Yves Sayinguvu, former Vice-President of the Republic of Burundi. The participation of such a wide range of current and former leaders showed the broad national interest in fostering a transparent and credible electoral process.
Workshop Deliberations and Themes
The workshop's initial day featured full thematic presentations examining sociopolitical dynamics leading up to the May 2027 presidential election. These sessions also covered critical areas such as human rights, governance, the rule of law, democratic principles, peace consolidation, social cohesion, reconciliation, and sustainable peace. Participants engaged in in-depth discussions about existing challenges within the Burundian political landscape and explored potential solutions to address them effectively. The discussions aimed to identify root causes of political instability and propose actionable strategies for resolution.
The second day of the workshop was primarily marked by intensive group work, during which attendees collaboratively addressed challenges impacting political stability and trust between various actors. These working groups also focused on strategies for enhancing citizen participation and consolidating democracy across the country. Participants engaged in strong debates on various mechanisms designed to foster a peaceful and inclusive electoral climate in preparation for the upcoming election. The collaborative nature of these sessions was intended to build consensus and shared ownership over the proposed solutions.
Further group work specifically addressed challenges affecting democracy and development in Burundi, framing these issues within the context of the country's Vision 2040-2060, particularly as it relates to the 2027 presidential election. Throughout these sessions, participants meticulously identified specific sectoral obstacles that impede the consolidation of democracy and subsequently proposed concrete solutions to overcome these impediments. This detailed analysis aimed to provide practical recommendations that could be integrated into national policies and strategies. The interactive format allowed for a full exploration of complex issues, drawing on the diverse expertise present.
Government Vision and Project Alignment
The project aims to support national actors in establishing an environment conducive to inclusive and peaceful elections scheduled for 2025-2027. This broader objective encompasses not only the presidential election but also other electoral cycles within this period. NIMD’s actions support the implementation of Burundi's Vision 2040-2060 by working to improve state institutional capacities and strengthen political governance. This strategic alignment shows the project's commitment to the country's long-term development goals. Good governance, peace, and security are identified as key priorities for the Burundian government. These priorities are directly linked to the national Vision, which outlines aspirations for "Burundi, emerging country in 2040 and developed country in 2060," and the revised National Development Plan (PND). The project's efforts to foster an inclusive electoral process are designed to contribute directly to these overarching national objectives, ensuring that democratic advancement supports broader societal progress and stability. The emphasis on these core tenets reflects the government's commitment to a holistic approach to national development, where democratic processes are integral to achieving long-term prosperity and peace.