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Burundi’s new leader offers limited hope of change

Content type:: Expert Briefings
Location:: BURUNDI
Keywords associated with this article:: Geographic: Burundi AF

Topical: economy international relations politics social corruption election government human rights opposition party poverty
ISSN:: 2633-304X
Citation:: Oxford Analytica (2020), "Burundi’s new leader offers limited hope of change", Expert Briefings.
https://doi.org/10.1108/OXAN-DB252856

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

The main opposition candidate, Agathon Rwasa, took 24.19% of the vote in a poll that appeared carefully stage managed.

Attempts by the outgoing president to play a continuing role in politics could test the new dispensation’s stability.
Ndayishimiye’s rise may bode well for regional relations, especially if he attempts to mend hostile relations with neighbouring Rwanda.
As elections were prioritised over COVID-19 action, an as-yet-hidden health crisis could disrupt the new administration’s plans.
Foreign donors long excluded by Nkurunziza will seek to re-establish a president, which may prove timely for COVID-19 relief.