The controversial Front for Democracy in Burundi (FRODEBU) political party in Burundi which had been torn apart into rival factions, have decided to end their differences and united to form a formidable political force ahead of the forthcoming presidential elections.
On Saturday, November 9, 2024, the Sahwanya-Frodebu and Sahwanya Frodebu Nyakuri iragi rya Ndadaye parties patched up after more than fifteen years of estrangement.
In a joint statement signed in Nairobi, Kenya, Patrick Nkurunziza and Jean Minani committed to a united Frodebu underpinned by the desire for “reconciliation”.
“As part of the reconciliation of Frodebu with itself, the presidents of the parties Sahwanya-Frodebu on the one hand and Sahwanya-Frodebu Nyakuri iragi rya Ndadaye on the other hand, now agree on a united Frodebu ,” the statement reads.
The two leaders also agree on an open framework, with a view to constituting a vast gathering for change in Burundi.
Frodebu also considers this alliance as a historic decision. “It is an important step towards reconciliation and democracy in Burundi.” And to insist: “We are building a better future for justice and unity.”
However, critics of this alliance have flared up in arms denouncing the move.
They believe that “this alliance is unnatural” arguing that Minani is already on the list of thirty-four “presumed putschists”.
They even mention a decision “that ignores the context in which politics is currently being played out in Burundi”.
“What added value will Minani bring to Frodebu in the context of the next elections? Why did he sign this alliance on behalf of a political party that no longer exists? Will he return to the country to help Frodebu campaign and ask its activists, if they still exist, to rejoin Frodebu?” some wondered.
According to Félicien Nduwuburundi, president of the Forum of Burundian Political Parties, Frodebu has made an alliance with a political party that does not exist.
“This alliance is null and void since at the time of the approval of the Council for Democracy and Sustainable Development of Burundi, Codebu-Iragi rya Ndadaye, Frodebu Nyakuri is no more,” he said.
Ambassador Edouard Bizimana and university professor said via X platform, “Allying with Jean Minani who currently lives between Brussels and Kigali risks costing Frodebu dearly.”
On the other hand, others welcome this “good initiative” of Frodebu which, according to them, marks a “momentum towards the restoration of democracy”.
“If it comes to fruition, it will be one of the good news of the year. I encourage them to go further than a simple gathering: I mean a tribute to Ndadaye who was, in his time, the man through whom citizens, guided by a civic spirit, won the battle of June 1993” , comments, on his X account, Déo Hakizimana, former commissioner of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC).
As a reminder, in 2015, accused of being involved in the failed coup in Burundi, like many Burundian politicians, Jean Minani went into exile.
According to the press release from the Attorney General’s Office of the Republic dated February 2, 2016, Jean Minani is on the list of thirty-four alleged putschists for whom international arrest warrants have already been issued.
