Burundi‘s interior ministry ordered the suspension of The National Freedom Council, the country’s biggest opposition party, claiming “irregularities” that critics claimed were an effort to silence dissent before the 2025 legislative elections.
The National Freedom Council, better known as CNL, has eight leaders, according to the ministry, who complained. These leaders were removed for opposing Agathon Rwasa, the party’s president, in the most recent two party congresses.
“All activities organised by irregularly constituted groups are suspended nationwide,” the ministry said, adding “Only meetings aimed at easing tensions within the party are authorised.”
Analysts claim that the action, which was disclosed in a letter made public by the interior ministry on Tuesday, runs the risk of reigniting the political unrest that has recently plagued the poor Great Lakes countries.
Simon Bizimungu, the party’s secretary general, told newsmen that the decision was a “serious constitutional violation” and that it was “an attempt to weaken the CNL ahead of the 2025 legislative elections.”
“There is no tension or opposition within the party. It’s just a question of eight opponents without any influence, but who have the backing of public powers,” he said.
