Burundian unrest (2015–18)

Quick Facts: Who was Burundian unrest (2015–18)?

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Burundian unrest (2015–18)

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Period of intense political unrest and attempted coup in Burundi, 2015-2018.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

On 25 April 2015, the ruling political party in Burundi, the National Council for the Defense of Democracy – Forces for the Defense of Democracy (CNDD-FDD), announced that the incumbent President of Burundi, Pierre Nkurunziza, would run for a third term in the 2015 presidential election. The announcement sparked protests by those opposed to Nkurunziza seeking a third term in office. Widespread demonstrations in the then-capital, Bujumbura, lasted for over three weeks. During that time the country's highest court approved Nkurunziza's right to run for a third term in office despite the fact that at least one of the court's judges fled the country claiming he had received death threats from members of the government. As a result of the protests the government also shut down the country's internet and telephone network, closed all of the country's universities and government officials publicly referred to the protesters as "terrorists".

Career & Major Achievements

In April, tens of thousands of people fled the country, hundreds of people were arrested and several protesters and police officers were killed while dozens more were injured. On 13 May 2015, a coup was announced, led by Major General Godefroid Niyombare, while President Nkurunziza was in Tanzania attending an emergency conference about the situation in the country. By the next day the coup collapsed and government forces reasserted control. On 11 December, almost 90 people were killed in attacks on state targets. The Burundian Civil War lasted from 1993 to 2005, and an estimated 300,000 people were killed.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The conflict ended with a peace process that brought in the 2005 constitution providing guaranteed representation for both Hutu and Tutsi, and parliamentary elections that led to Pierre Nkurunziza, from the Hutu FDD, becoming president. Since 2005, poverty has remained a major problem. According to the World Bank, over 60% of Burundians do not have enough food. The country's government does not have enough money to fund needed programs and the economy is reliant on coffee exports whose price has fluctuated radically in recent years and made long-term financial planning nearly impossible. On 4 May 2015, the Vice-President of the Constitutional Court fled the country following alleged death threats from senior figures in the government.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1993: 1993 Milestone — The Burundian Civil War lasted from 1993 to 2005, and an estimated 300,000 people were killed.
2. 2005: 2005 Milestone — The conflict ended with a peace process that brought in the 2005 constitution providing guaranteed representation for both Hutu and Tutsi, and parliamentary elections that led to Pierre Nkurunziza, from the Hutu FDD, becoming president.
3. 2015: 2015 Milestone — On 25 April 2015, the ruling political party in Burundi, the National Council for the Defense of Democracy – Forces for the Defense of Democracy (CNDD-FDD), announced that the incumbent President of Burundi, Pierre Nkurunziza, would run for a third term in the 2015 presidential election.

Notable Quotes by Burundian unrest (2015–18)

“Nkurunziza's nomination "flies directly in the face of the constitution."” (2015)

“The protests were illegal.” (2015)

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Burundian unrest (2015–18)

True or False: “Did the initial unrest in Burundi begin immediately after Pierre Nkurunziza was elected to his first term?”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The civil war ended in 2005 with elections that brought Nkurunziza to power; the major unrest detailed here occurred years later over his third-term bid.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Burundian unrest (2015–18)