Burundi Nears Civil War as Violence Escalates

Around 90 people lost their lives over the weekend as instability across the East African nation worsens over time, according to AFP. The government justifies the murders, but witnesses speak of workers burying bodies in mass graves, fueling the allegations of a cover-up, and more people could have been murdered. The country returned to a sense of normalcy as of Sunday, but security forces remain present. The U.S. State Department urges Americans to leave Burundi as soon as possible.

Around 90 people lost their lives over the weekend as instability across the East African nation worsens over time, according to AFP. The government justifies the murders, but witnesses speak of workers burying bodies in mass graves, fueling the allegations of a cover-up, and more people could have been murdered. The country returned to a sense of normalcy as of Sunday, but security forces remain present. The U.S. State Department urges Americans to leave Burundi as soon as possible.

Burundi’s story reflects that of many other African nations where political instability and mismanagement hamper economic progress despite plentiful resources that could bestow wealth to the country and its people. In Burundi’s case, the African nation underwent civil war from 1993 until 2006, resulting in the deaths of 300,000 people, but the economy made significant progress after the war ended.

Against all odds, the economy grew at a 4 percent rate since 2010, mainly due to agriculture and coffee production. Burundi also expanded at a higher pace through energy and infrastructure investments, but the escalating violence impeded the economy’s advancement, and the country grows more isolated as the international community watches.

Human Rights Watch has called for an independent investigation into the recent killings, including the European Union, and the domestic opposition wishes for Uganda to act as a mediator over the conflict. The United Nations may also send peacekeepers in response to the growing crisis.

The trouble started when President Pierre Nkurunziza sought a third term in office, and over 240 people have been killed since May, with 200,000 people fleeing to neighboring countries. The International Monetary Fund expects the economy to contract by over 7.0 percent because of the violence.

Nkurunziza’s struggle to maintain power will distract him from making necessary economic reforms and government repression will turn away investors and donors that propel the economy. Further, authorities must also worry about several factors aside from a potential civil war. First, the country has a weak tax policy that prevents proper development and allocation of resources. Mismanagement is also responsible for a lack of infrastructure investment, regardless of sound structural reforms and construction efforts.

Moreover, Burundi is plagued with scarce land and property disputes, which partially stems from returning refugees who have claimed rights, to their occupied homes. Analysts fear land scarcity could represent another source of instability, but the escalating political violence is an overwhelming issue that could tear the country apart and spill over into other nations. The European Union has discussed the idea of immediate financial aid if peace talks begin.