Burundi: Opposition coalition contests referendum results /update 6

Event

On May 24, the opposition coalition Amizero y'Abarundi led by Agathon Rwasa filed an appeal to the Constitutional Court to contest the results of the May 17 referendum, citing voting irregularities and voter intimidation. The court has until Saturday, June 2, to release its decision. Tensions are currently high and will likely remain so both before and after the court’s ruling. Related demonstrations, clashes between protesters and security forces, and localized traffic disruptions near protest sites are possible in the coming days and weeks.

Context

The referendum was, among other things, organized to decide whether to extend presidential terms from the current five years to seven. The changes limit the president to two consecutive terms but do not take into account previous terms, potentially allowing current President Pierre Nkurunziza to remain in power until 2034. On May 17, Burundians approved the proposed amendments with 73 percent of the vote.

Political violence persists throughout Burundi nearly three years after the country's contested July 2015 elections. Nkurunziza was elected to a controversial third term in 2015 even though Burundian law stipulated a maximum presidential tenure of two five-year terms prior to the referendum. While the country appears to be experiencing a period of relative calm (certainly in comparison to the violent outbreaks witnessed in 2015 and 2016), the situation remains worrisome, particularly in the capital Bujumbura, where the risk of politically motivated outbreaks of violence remains. In February, Burundian police threatened to arrest individuals who campaigned too early against the referendum and disturb public order; dozens of opposition members have since been detained for promoting a "no" vote.

Advice

Individuals present in Burundi should avoid discussing sensitive political topics in public spaces, avoid all public gatherings and demonstrations (especially those with no visible security presence), and maintain a high level of vigilance at all times. Be extremely vigilant in crowded places such as churches, markets, cafés, and bus stations.