Presidential election in Burundi: words of candidates

Text by: RFI Follow

Before the presidential election on May 20 in Burundi, RFI gave the floor to the candidates. On the side of the ruling party, the CNDD-FDD, the campaign team of candidate Evariste Ndayishimiye, who initially agreed in principle, did not respond to our requests for an interview. So find our interviews with six of the seven contenders for the succession of Pierre Nkurunziza.

Publicity

►  For Agathon Rwasa, the population is determined to change

Former rebel leader Agathon Rwasa presents himself under the colors of the National Congress for Freedom (CNL). He is the main rival of General Evariste Ndayishimiye, candidate of the ruling party, the National Council for the Defense of Democracy-Forces de defense de la democratie (CNDD-FDD).

► Léonce Ngendakumana wants to rehabilitate the Arusha Peace Agreement

Léonce Ngendakumana is the candidate of the Frodebu party. This party had won Burundi's first free elections 27 years ago. Currently in opposition, he points to the record of President Pierre Nkurunziza. His priority will be to change the current Constitution and to rehabilitate the Arusha Agreement of 2000.

► For Gaston Sindimwo, “ we must break fear ”

Gaston Sindimwo, Uprona candidate, considers that Burundi's diplomatic relations will have to be improved if he is elected. This candidate, who considers that the government has done a good job and that he has "  a positive balance compared to the other presidents  ", wishes in particular that the country demilitarize.

► For Francis Rohero, “ political parties have had their day ”

Francis Rohero is the initiator of the Orange movement, a citizen movement created to change the game in the face of party logics. This independent candidate is banking on a costed program and a significant investment in the country's economy to revive it.

►  For Domitien Ndayizeye, “ since 2005, it has been the denial of the Arusha agreement ”

Domitien Ndayizeye, supported by the Kira Burundi coalition, wishes to do away with the Nkurunziza system and regrets that the Arusha agreement is no longer being followed. It puts at the center of its program, the fight against poverty and the restoration of "  individual freedoms and a true democracy  ".

► For Dieudonné Nahimana, " the past divides us instead of uniting us "

Dieudonné Nahimana is a pastor and founder of the New Generation association. This independent candidate wants to play the card of the novelty so that the country can cut with its past "  which divides  ". Calling himself a youth candidate, he advocates a message of union outside of partisan logic.

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• Burundi
• Pierre Nkurunziza

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