Political Killings Continue in Burundi as Tensions Worsen

Phocas Bakaza of the ruling CNDD-FDD party in Burundi was killed in the latest incident of political violence that has persisted for over a year, according to Reuters. Over 400 people have been murdered since President Pierre Nkurunziza’s unconstitutional third-term re-election in July 2015. Nkurunziza supporters contended that the president could run for a third-term based on a court ruling, but critics and opposition party members have rejected such a claim.

Phocas Bakaza of the ruling CNDD-FDD party in Burundi was killed in the latest incident of political violence that has persisted for over a year, according to Reuters. Over 400 people have been murdered since President Pierre Nkurunziza’s unconstitutional third-term re-election in July 2015. Nkurunziza supporters contended that the president could run for a third-term based on a court ruling, but critics and opposition party members have rejected such a claim.

Burundi’s tailspin into chaos is steeped in politics, but the situation could devolve into ethnic strife and a return to the nation’s bloody history. Burundi underwent its second civil war from 1993 to 2006 that led to genocide of Tutsis at the hand of Hutus, resulting in the deaths of over 300,000 people.

With that, the president stands the risk of paying a heavy political price going forward. Not only did Nkurunziza violate the constitution by running for an additional term, but he also broke a vital peace accord that put an end to the war, and all progress that Burundi has made over the decades could dissipate, as instability becomes the norm.

Moreover, the international community is concerned that ethnic tensions could spread throughout the region, where countries, such as Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, underwent similar mass killings involving Hutus and Tutsis.

Refusal to Compromise

Opposition leaders approved a U.N. police presence, but the situation will only be solved when all parties agree on peace. Open dialogue and understating, however, do not seem to be on the horizon, as the government’s harsh response has stoked further unrest, and the state is governed by hardline devotees of the president.

Nkurunziza has surrounded himself with partisan generals, and all the trappings of a potential ethnic war appear to be in motion as the majority Hutus hold power within the army and police, even setting up a youth militia. Authorities have suppressed protests and resorted to torture and murder, provoking an already volatile situation, and opposing forces have responded by arming themselves and attacking public officials.

Financial Drain

Burundi’s prolonged violence has also left the government starving for revenue. The state’s tax base fell over 10% in Q1 of 2016 due to rising violence, among other factors, such as an underdeveloped economy and lower tourist numbers. Burundi is a largely agriculture-based country with a minimal manufacturing base and poorly diversified economy.

With that, violence will be the primary impediment to economic success. Leaders have failed to establish a solid foundation for investors and the business community, and Burundi is entering a point of no return as opposing sides refuse to come to terms thus far.