Burundi’s President Evariste Ndayishimiye has firmly shut the door on any hopes that his ruling party, CNDD-FDD, might step down from power, declaring that it is impossible because they struggled hard to take control of the country.
During a CNDD-FDD campaign event held on May 27, 2025, Ndayishimiye stated:
“We fought hard to take this country. It was difficult and painful. There’s no way we can simply hand over what we suffered to gain.”
Speaking at the rally in Musigati Commune, Ndayishimiye said that before CNDD-FDD came to power, Burundi was in complete disorder, but they have since built it up and instilled democracy.
He added that the country is now safe, respected on the international stage, and that Burundians around the world are held in esteem.
Despite President Ndayishimiye’s strong desire for CNDD-FDD to remain in power, the 20 years the party has ruled show little tangible progress. The country remains plagued by persistent challenges.
His government has failed to resolve the petroleum crisis that has lasted over three years, ongoing sugar shortages, skyrocketing prices for basic necessities, and a critical lack of foreign currency. These issues have kept Burundi among the poorest countries in the world.
