Burundi has been in political and economic crisis since 2015. Democratic gains made after the 12-year civil war ended in 2005 have been undone by a shift toward authoritarian politics and violent repression against perceived opponents of the ruling party, the National Council for the Defense of Democracy–Forces for the Defense of Democracy (CNDD–FDD).

• The government closed Burundi’s land border with Rwanda in January following deadly attacks by the Resistance Movement for the Rule of Law–Tabara (RED–Tabara) rebel group, which the Rwandan authorities have been accused of supporting.
• With elections expected in 2025, the ruling party increased pressure on the political opposition during the year. A government-backed faction of the opposition National Congress of Liberty (CNL) elected a new leader in March, and the government quickly recognized him as the CNL president, effectively sidelining incumbent CNL leader and former presidential candidate Agathon Rwasa. Shortly before the vote, police and ruling party activists arbitrarily detained several CNL politicians; other CNL members were reportedly abducted, beaten, or killed in the first half of the year.
• In August, Parliament voted to approve new members of the Independent National Electoral Commission, including a new president who had until then served as the government’s spokesman. Some opposition lawmakers boycotted the vote, citing procedural violations and a lack of consultation.
• Journalist Sandra Muhoza was arrested in April and sentenced in December to 21 months in prison; she was accused of threatening national security after she shared an online message about the alleged distribution of machetes to ruling party militants. Another imprisoned journalist, Floriane Irangabiye, was pardoned and released in August, though her health had deteriorated since she was first detained in 2022 and sentenced to 10 years in prison in 2023. Multiple journalists faced police assaults, arbitrary detentions, and harassment in connection with their reporting during the year.
• In November, the president pardoned and ordered the release of more than 5,400 prisoners across the country, representing some 41 percent of the total prison population. While the release largely excluded political prisoners, the government said it would reduce overcrowding; the prison system had been operating at roughly three times its official capacity of 4,290 inmates.

This report has been abridged for Freedom in the World 2025 due to ongoing budget constraints. Freedom in the World is entirely funded by nongovernmental sources such as private foundations, corporations, and individuals like you. Please consider making a donation to support future editions of this vital resource.

For additional background information, see last year’s full report.