Burundi's President Evariste Ndayishimiye was invested on June 18, 2020, beginning his term in office. Six years later, as he enters the final year of his mandate, an evaluation of the commitments made since his inauguration is currently debated among various stakeholders. The president's administration has faced scrutiny regarding the implementation of its stated objectives during this period.
Promises and Presidential Vision
President Evariste Ndayishimiye presented himself as the "Father of the Nation" upon taking office. He promised to guarantee public freedoms, including freedom of expression, for political parties, civil society organizations, and citizens. A core pledge involved establishing proximity governance, directly focusing on population concerns. The president also emphasized strengthening agricultural and pastoral production, a priority reflected in the National Development Plan 2017-2028, which listed agriculture and livestock development among its key objectives.
His administration tasked the Office burundais de l’Habitat with the responsibility of designing and building social housing. President Ndayishimiye stated that his electoral victory was intended for all Burundians, not solely for the ruling CNDD-FDD party. He further promised to govern without discrimination and to build the country on principles of good governance, human rights, and citizen protection. These commitments outlined his initial vision for Burundi's future under his leadership.
Supporters Highlight Progress
Supporters of President Evariste Ndayishimiye cite achievements in infrastructure, diplomacy, and certain development programs. Jean de Dieu Mutabazi describes the current balance sheet as "positive" and "optimistic," stating, "For me, the balance sheet is positive and optimism is permitted. At the political level, we have seen a strengthening of the unity of Burundians in their ethnic, political and other diversity. The same applies to the consolidation of social cohesion, peace and security through periodic dialogue with the Nation's vital forces, be they politicians, members of civil society or religious confessions." Mutabazi notes efforts to stabilize the sub-region and combat enemies in western Burundi and eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). He notes that European and US sanctions against Burundi have been lifted, adding, "At the diplomatic level, we can say that a great deal of work has been done because President Ndayishimiye came to power at a time when Burundi was almost totally isolated. So, he has made Burundi more open and more acceptable internationally."
Jean de Dieu Mutabazi mentions Burundi's active participation in regional organizations and the president's leadership roles, including President of the African Union. Mutabazi stated, "He won the trust of countries in the sub-region, countries in the region, in Africa and even the whole world. This is how most of his presidential colleagues entrusted him with the highest responsibilities to lead the various regional organizations until he became president of the African Union." He further added, "For Mr. Mutabazi, this is an important mark of confidence. This has allowed Burundi to regain its place in the concert of Nations." Mutabazi also cites positive economic achievements such as the construction of dams and roads. He acknowledged, "There are challenges that arise, not only in Burundi but also globally. These are collateral effects, indirect effects due to various wars around the world, particularly in the Middle East, Ukraine, etc."
Hamza-Venant Burikukiye calls President Ndayishimiye a "rassembleur" (unifier) and a "fervent d'un dialogue" (ardent supporter of dialogue), noting his closeness to the population. Burikukiye stated, "The balance sheet is very positive. From a political point of view, first of all, we have a leader who is a unifier, he is an ardent supporter of dialogue, he is someone who always stands with political partners, he is someone who has given a voice to the entire population." He added, "He gave his private phone number. He also hosted live public broadcasts. He is a president who approaches his population. He is someone who lets people express themselves." Burikukiye also noted the restructuring of the mining sector, the suppression of "phantom conventions," and the promotion of transparent production through cooperatives. He elaborated, "Before, it was total anarchy, it was for the benefit of individuals. He abolished phantom conventions. On the other hand, he encouraged working transparently through production cooperatives. And now, exports are done publicly whereas before, they were secret. We didn't know who was doing what. I think that soon, we will see the gain from these minerals." Burikukiye mentions the construction of new factories, industries, roads, and the planned railway connecting Tanzania, Burundi, and DRC. He stated, "When he travels abroad, he often goes with a good number of Burundian investors so that they too can see experiences elsewhere, seek other partnerships." Burikukiye also noted, "He even gave a message to leaders to let the media work, provide information, not let populations be carried away by rumors." Economist Jean Ndenzako states that Burundi has not plunged into open war in six years, calling it a major asset in an unstable region. Ndenzako observed, "The country has avoided conflagration and has assets, but economic and social imbalances remain profound. Rather than a purely green or purely red narrative, the facts call for a lucid and nuanced public debate."
Critics Detail Persistent Challenges
Critics of President Evariste Ndayishimiye's administration point to persistent challenges, including the high cost of living, difficulties in accessing foreign currency, youth unemployment, fuel supply shortages, and broader issues in economic governance. Gabriel Rufyiri, from Olucome, notes that Burundi's GDP per capita stands at $350 per year, which is less than $1 per day. Mr. Rufyiri also reports official economic growth rates between 3-4%, stating, "Or, un pays qui avance économiquement à un taux de croissance de deux chiffres qui est entre 10 et 12. Mais, chez nous, on est encore entre 3 et 5." He contrasts this with the 10-12% growth rate typically needed for advancing countries. According to Mr. Rufyiri, inflation in Burundi is estimated at 25-30%, sometimes reaching 40%, significantly higher than the tolerable rate below 7%. He commented, "Entre 25 et 30, on arrive souvent même à 40, au moment où l’inflation qui est tolérable est en dessous de 7. Donc, les chiffres sont très alarmants aux niveaux économique et de la gouvernance." Mr. Rufyiri states that Burundi is among the five most corrupt countries globally, with a corruption indicator of 17%. He added, "On a 17%. Nous sommes parmi les cinq pays les plus corrompus au monde." He reports that budget transparency is at 43%, and public participation in budget discussions was 0% in the past year, noting, "Au niveau de la transparence budgétaire, on a 43%. Au niveau de la participation publique, selon les chiffres de l’année passée, on est à zéro. Il n’y a pas de débat sur le budget." Mr. Rufyiri also observes that over 70% of the state budget is financed through taxes and duties, stating, "Notre budget émane de la dette intérieure parce que les partenaires du Burundi aujourd’hui ne sont pas vraiment valorisés à travers le budget." He concludes that this indicator shows, "Cet indicateur montre que depuis plus de 20 ans, on n’a jamais avancé."
Agathon Rwasa describes the situation as "terse" and "very disappointing." He cites difficulties for motorcycle taxi drivers to obtain fuel, for farmers to access agricultural inputs, and a surge in prices. Mr. Rwasa stated, "Si nous nous convenons que la mission principale de tout gouvernement est d’œuvrer à la promotion socio-économique et politique des citoyens, on peut dire que six ans du régime actuel affichent un résultat très décevant. Voyez combien les motoristes peinent à avoir du carburant, considérer comment les agriculteurs (plus de 90% de la population) ont du mal à accéder aux intrants agricoles, observer la flambée des prix qui défraie la chronique pour ne citer que cela. Le tableau est si terne qu’on se demanderait ce qui a piqué ceux qui souhaitent la reconduction du Général."
Kefa Nibizi, from Codebu Iragi rya Ndadaye, asserts that the mandate has failed in political, economic, and social domains. He points to shortages of essential products such as fuel, medicine, and sugar, alongside a high cost of living. Mr. Nibizi remarked, "C’est un échec. Son bilan est très sombre que ce soit politique, économique, social. On a connu des carences de produits de première nécessité, notamment les carburants, les médicaments, le sucre et d’autres produits. Donc, on a connu une cherté de la vie où il est devenu très difficile de joindre les deux bouts du mois." Mr. Nibizi claims that Burundi has reverted to a single-party system under President Ndayishimiye's rule, stating, "Il est venu de la démocratie, il va terminer son mandat après avoir mis la croix sur la démocratie." He further notes that economic refugees, including doctors, teachers, and young graduates, are leaving the country for menial jobs abroad. Mr. Nibizi added, "Pour lui, c’est une preuve que la situation socio-économique burundaise devient de plus en plus invivable." He also criticized a lack of action on corruption, stating, "Mais, lui-même a avoué qu’il n’a pas pu contenir les gens qui dilapident les deniers publics. On a entendu que des discours, mais pas suivis des faits."
Olivier Nkurunziza assesses the balance sheet as "contrasted," judging the political aspect as "largely negative" due to a retreat in democracy. He cites irregularities in the upcoming 2025 elections and pressure on opposition parties, as well as the strong presence of the ruling party's members in public institutions. Mr. Nkurunziza stated, "Au niveau politique, il juge le bilan de largement négatif, dénonçant au passage le recul de la démocratie, des irrégularités lors des élections de 2025 et des pressions exercées sur les
Contrasting Assessments of Governance
Olivier Nkurunziza, for his part, notes persistent economic difficulties, including fuel shortages, a lack of foreign currency, a rising cost of living, shortages of essential products, and high youth unemployment, stating, "Au niveau économique, il relève plusieurs difficultés persistantes : pénurie des carburants, manque de devises, hausse du coût de la vie, pénuries des produits de première nécessité, problèmes d’approvisionnement en engrais chimiques et chômage élevé des jeunes." He also criticizes corruption, the embezzlement of public funds, and a lack of judicial independence. Nkurunziza acknowledges diplomatic progress but calls for improved relations with Rwanda, stating, "Il estime toutefois que les relations avec le Rwanda doivent encore être améliorées." However, he expresses concerns about political intimidation, restrictions on journalists and human rights defenders, and allegations of arbitrary arrests and forced disappearances.
Hamza-Venant Burikukiye, conversely, states that media have had a very free working space since President Ndayishimiye took power. Gaspard Kobako criticizes the unfulfilled 2020 presidential promise to improve retirement conditions for civil servants. Kobako points to the "forced" retirement of many civil servants on June 30, 2023, which he says led to worsened living conditions for retirees. Jean Ndenzako notes that stability remains relative, with sporadic insecurity, political tensions, and restricted freedoms weighing on investment confidence. He identifies heavy macroeconomic imbalances, including high inflation eroding purchasing power and increasing the cost of living, especially for food and imported goods. Ndenzako points to pressure on the currency and difficulties in the external sector limiting the country's import financing capacity and price stabilization. While acknowledging efforts in economic diversification and infrastructure projects, he deems them fragile and unequal. Ndenzako concludes that the six-year balance sheet is contrasted: the country avoided conflict and has assets, but economic and social imbalances remain profound.