BLACK SOCIAL HISTORY
2015 Burundian protests
| 2015 Burundian protests | ||||
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| Date | 26 April 2015 – present 2 weeks and 3 days | |||
| Location | Bujumbura, Musaga, Burundi[1] | |||
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On 25 April 2015, the ruling political party in Burundi, the National Council for the Defense of Democracy – Forces for the Defense of Democracy (CNDD-FDD), announced that the incumbent President of Burundi, Pierre Nkurunziza, would run for a third term in the 26 June 2015 presidential election.[5] The announcement sparked protests by those opposed to Nkurunziza seeking a third term in office.
Critics of the president say his actions jeopardise a peace deal that has kept ethnic tensions in check since the Burundian Civil War ended in 2005[6] and that Nkurunziza is not constitutionally permitted to seek a third term in office; his supporters argue that his first 5-year term should not count because he was elected by a parliamentary vote rather than a popular vote.[7]
Widespread demonstrations in the capital, Bujumbura, which lasted for over three weeks. During that time the country's highest court approved Nkurunziza's right to run for a third term in office[8] despite the fact that at least one of court's judges fled the country claiming he had received death threats from members of the government.[9] As a result of the protests the government also shut down the country's internet and telephone network, closed all of the country's universities and government officials publicly referred to the protesters as "terrorists".[10] Since late April tens of thousands of people have fled the country, hundreds of people have been arrested and several protesters and police have been killed while dozens more have been injured.
On 13 May a coup was announced, led by Maj. Gen. Godefroid Niyombare, while President Nkurunziza was in Tanzania attending an emergency conference about the situation in the country.[11]
Background
The Burundian Civil War lasted from 1993 to 2005, and an estimated 300,000 people were killed. The conflict ended with a peace process that brought in the 2005 constitution providing guaranteed representation for both Hutu and Tutsi, and parliamentary elections that led to Pierre Nkurunziza, from the Hutu FDD, becoming President.
Since 2005, poverty has remained a major problem and according to the World Bank, over 60% of Burundians do not have enough food, the country's government does not have enough money to fund needed programs and the economy is reliant on coffee exports whose price has fluctuated radically in recent years and made long term financial planning nearly impossible.[12]
Constitutionality of a third term
On 4 May 2015, the Vice-President of the Constitutional Court fled the country following alleged death threats from senior figures in the government.[2] The judge claimed that most of the seven judges on the country's highest court believed it would be unconstitutional for Nkurunziza to be elected again.[2] United States Secretary of State John Kerryalso stated 4 May that Nkurunziza's nomination "flies directly in the face of the constitution".[2]
Following the departures of four of the seven judges who sit on Burundi's constitutional court (including the Vice-President), the remaining judges approved Nkurunziza's right to run for a third term in office.[8] Members of the opposition described the court's ruling as "manipulated."[13]
First week of protests
On 25 April 2015, the ruling CNDD-FDD announced that Nkurunziza would run for a third term in the 26 June 2015 presidential election.[5] The announcement sparked protests by those opposed to Nkurunziza and those who claimed a third term would be a violation of the country's constitution which says no President can be elected more than twice.
In the capital Bujumbura, protesters cut down trees to blockade roads.[14] On 30 April, after days of protests, President Nkurunziza met with an American diplomat and told him that the protests were illegal.[15]
On 1 May, a grenade attack took place in the capital and killed three people, including two policemen,[16] and human rights organizations said that protesters had been beaten and arrested. On the same day, a speech by President Nkurunziza was broadcast, in which he stated that the protests were illegal, and a committee would be established and submit its findings before the June election, so that "severe sanctions will be taken against those who will be found guilty" of illegal activities.[15]
On 2 May, Security Minister General Gabriel Nizigama said the protests were an "uprising" and that the demonstrators would be regarded as "criminals, terrorists and even enemies of the country".[10]
The International Red Cross says at least six people have been killed in the demonstrations, and Rupert Colville, a spokesman for the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights says that over 400 protesters have been detained, and some have been beaten in prison.[17]
Second week of protests[edit]
Protests resumed on 4 May after a two day suspension called for by protest leaders. Protests began peacefully but at least two protesters were shot and killed by police after stones were thrown at police.[18]
Coup attempt
On 13 May a coup, led by Maj. Gen. Godefroid Niyombare, took place in the capital while President Nkurunziza was in Tanzania attending an emergency conference about the situation in the country.[19] Niyombare, the country's former ambassador to Kenya, announced the coup along with senior officers in the army and police, including a former defense minister.[20] After the announcement, crowds stormed into the streets of the capital in celebration and soldiers were seen guarding the state broadcaster's headquarters.[21]
Refugees
By 6 May the United Nations reported that 40,000 people had fled to seek safety in neighbouring Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Tanzania.[22] By 13 May at least an additional 10,000 people had fled.[23]
Reactions
Domestic
The government has shut down Radio Publique Africaine and blocked instant messaging services and social media sites it says are used to co-ordinate protests.[24] Reporters Without Borders condemned the restrictions on press and citizen communication.[25][26] All universities were closed.[27]
Military's response
On 2 May the Defence Minister, General Pontien Gaciyubwenge, said that the army was neutral and called for an end to attacks on citizens' rights. On 3 May the army's chief of staff General Prime Niyongabo stated it "remains and will remain a republican and loyalist army that is respectful of the laws and rules of Burundi and of those who govern it".[28]
International
- African Union: On 7 May, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, called on the government to postpone the elections due to the ongoing instability.[29]
The East African Community, made up of Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, have expressed concern at people seeking refuge in neighboring countries out of fear of violence.[30] Ministers from Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda then travelled to the country for talks to try to end the crisis.[14]
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon called "on the Burundian authorities to conduct a prompt investigation into the deaths that occurred during the recent demonstrations so that those responsible are held accountable."[31] The UN has facilitated talks between the government and opposition and civil society groups.[14]
On 4 May the Government of Rwanda issued a statement saying, "Rwanda urges the Government of Burundi to take immediate necessary steps to ensure the protection of its population, end the worsening humanitarian situation and restore peace."[32]
On 4 May John Kerry said the U.S. was "deeply concerned" about the situation.[2]
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