Nestor Girukwishaka has called for unity and cohesion within Burundi’s largest opposition party the National Freedom Congress (CNL).
Girukwishaka took over the party Presidency on Wednesday following a controversial congress which the government is accused of interfering with to dethrone Agathon Rwasa who was on a trip in neighbouring Tanzania.
In an earlier press release issued by the party on Tuesday, the government was accused of colluding with CNL rebel members to organise the sham congress to elect a new party president.
“The President and Prime Minister of Burundi are asked to give instructions to the Ministry of the Interior so as not to take into consideration the conclusions of an alleged congress organized by dissidents and usurpers functions within the CNL party,” the Press release reads in part.
Simon Bizimungu, the secretary general of the CNL party had earlier urged the Head of State and the Prime Minister to intervene to put an end to the interference by the Ministry of the Interior in the functioning of the CNL party.
The faction loyal to Agathon Rwasa, historic leader of the CNL, said it rejects any outcome of the congress held in Ngozi on Sunday March 10, 2024 by “dissidents who have been suspended from party organs”.
Rwasa, Burundi’s Leader of Largest Opposition Party Dethroned
