Burundi: new president Évariste Ndayishimiye dubbed despite criticism

Évariste Ndayishimiye with his wife Angelique Ndayubaha, in a polling station in the commune of Giheta, in the province of Gitega, in central Burundi, on election day, May 20, 2020. AFP

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When Washington says it is ready to work with "the new elected president", UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres says he takes note of the results of the presidential election and encourages all the parties to continue to promote a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere between the Burundians. Even the conference of Catholic bishops of Burundi congratulated Évariste Ndayishimiye when the Church was nevertheless very critical regarding the ballot.

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The Catholic Church had observers in only 20% of the polling stations and complained about it. The Episcopal Conference hoped to be able to make a citizen compilation like its Congolese sister. After the polls, she noted numerous irregularities .

►Also read: Évariste Ndayishimiye, from the guerrillas in power

Some prelates therefore struggle to understand the message of congratulations from the bishops. For a CNDD-FDD executive, it is to preserve his future relationship with the new head of state. "  It is for lack of an alternative,  " said a Burundian activist, the main opponent Agathon Rwasa having accepted the decision of the Constitutional Court, while still contesting the results.

Hopes of opening

As for foreign chancelleries, there are messages from "  friends  " sent to the new head of state like that of Tanzanian President John Magufuli, "  also enemies  ", laughs a Burundian official, quoting the press release from the Rwandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The new head of state is expected to manage the country. We are talking about discussions started even before the elections between General Évariste Ndayishimiye and certain embassies, with a view to signs of openness. "  These messages are encouraging, but the CNDD-FDD of Évariste Ndayishimiye must and will open the country for the good of its people,  " said an African diplomat.

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  • Burundi
  • Evariste Ndayishimiye
  • Diplomacy

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