This archive report was first published on 20 June 2020.
June 20, 2020
General Evariste Ndayishimiye's inauguration as Burundi's ninth president marks a new chapter in the country's turbulent politics. Despite the uncertainty surrounding his ascent to power, Ndayishimiye has the leverage to turn a new page and offer Burundians a fresh beginning.
With 68% of the ballot, Ndayishimiye won the election that brought him to power, suggesting widespread acceptance that should give him the confidence to push through a bold agenda for change. The smooth transfer of power, despite the vacuum created by Nkurunziza's sudden departure, also points to a universal hunger for peace and stability.
The message from the masses is loud and clear: they are war weary and want a return to a life where they can build their dreams with a reasonable hope for completion. Ndayishimiye's immediate task is to consolidate this by uniting Burundians around a vision for a new Burundi where everyone has the space to act and express their aspirations without fear or consequence.
The displaced masses both inside and outside the country need a safe place to return to. The task of national healing and economic reconstruction will need all hands on the deck. In this respect, Ndayishimiye's inaugural address is cause for optimism, with his call for refugees to return home and assurances about the space for the opposition being encouraging.
However, these will need to be followed by concrete actions that demonstrate a commitment to walking the talk. Above all, the new leader will need to overcome personal insecurities that would tempt him to see alternative views as a threat to his power. He must also demonstrate incremental change on what has been achieved under Nkurunziza, who was struggling with the difficult question of equitable distribution of resources and opportunities.
