Publication

13 Jul 2016

This paper traces the emergence and trajectory of the crisis in Burundi, which began in mid-2015 and has led to the most serious instability in the country since its civil war (1993-2006). More specifically, the text’s authors 1) review the shifting positions of various stakeholders in the years prior to the crisis, and 2) focus on the political and security institutions that are at the heart of the country’s present troubles. Ultimately, the authors argue that President Pierre Nkurunziza’s bid for an unconstitutional third term triggered the crisis, but it’s not the only reason for the seething discontent and endemic fighting in the country. Equally important is a history of government intransigence and repression; an unwillingness on the part of the government and opposition to negotiate; and the apparent inability of international and regional organizations to intervene successfully.

Download English (PDF, 28 pages, 345 KB)
Author Yolande Bouka, Stephanie Wolters
Series ISS Africa Reports
Issue 7
Publisher Institute for Security Studies (ISS)
Copyright © 2016 Institute for Security Studies
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