Burundi's President Évariste Ndayishimiye declared the youth league of the ruling CNDD-FDD party, the Imbonerakure, as "commandos" on Saturday, August 29, 2026. Speaking at the 10th edition of Imbonerakure Day at the Ingoma stadium in Gitega, the political capital, President Ndayishimiye issued a warning to potential adversaries of the nation. The event, marking the tenth anniversary of the youth league's annual celebration, drew significant attention as the President outlined an enhanced role for the Imbonerakure. "The whole world is today witness. You understand why we have taken the decision to make the Imbonerakure commandos," President Ndayishimiye stated, adding, "What I promise to our friends as well as our enemies, is that Burundi is well protected." This declaration showed the President's commitment to national security and the key role he envisions for the youth league. The Imbonerakure are the youth league of the CNDD-FDD party, which has been in power since 2005. President Ndayishimiye also noted, "To steal the drum is one thing, but to know where to beat it is another. In 2015, we were still fumbling, which is why they were able to try to overthrow the institutions. Today, that is virtually impossible." This statement noted a perceived strengthening of state institutions since the 2015 crisis.
Youth League's New Role
A parade involving 119 companies of Imbonerakure, members of the youth league of the CNDD-FDD party, marked the event. The impressive display of unity and discipline by the youth league members was a central feature of the day's proceedings. Participants in the parade chanted messages calling for the defense of the country and reaffirmed their support for the party leaders. These chants resonated throughout the stadium, emphasizing the Imbonerakure's dedication to national service and loyalty to the ruling party. President Ndayishimiye emphasized a broader vision for national defense, stating, "We want every Burundian citizen to be a soldier." This ambitious call suggests a desire to foster a widespread sense of civic duty and preparedness across the population.
The Imbonerakure are already involved in various security activities across Burundi. These activities include participation in night patrols and mixed security committees at the local level, where they contribute to maintaining public order and safety. Additionally, members of the youth league have been reported operating alongside Burundian forces in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, indicating their involvement in regional security efforts. Their presence in these varied capacities demonstrates their active and multifaceted role within the country's security architecture. The United Nations described the Imbonerakure in 2016 as a "youth militia of the ruling party," a characterization that notes ongoing concerns regarding the group's role and operations and has been a point of contention for international observers.
Party Secretary's Call to Arms
Révérien Ndikuriyo, Secretary General of the ruling CNDD-FDD party, pledged to strengthen the Imbonerakure and encouraged the youth league to focus on developmental initiatives. He emphasized the importance of their contribution to the nation's progress, urging them to invest in development work alongside their security duties. Ndikuriyo also called upon the Imbonerakure to maintain vigilance, expressing a belief that the nation's adversaries have not ceased their activities. He delivered these remarks on Saturday, August 29, 2026, during the same event where President Évariste Ndayishimiye made his declarations, reinforcing the party's unified message.
Earlier, on August 22, Ndikuriyo issued similar warnings in Makamba. His comments there directly responded to recent appeals made by Burundian armed groups operating from the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, showing the immediate security challenges facing the nation. The Secretary General's consistent messaging underlines the party's ongoing concerns regarding security threats and its reliance on the Imbonerakure for both defense and national development. Ndikuriyo's statements reflect a strategic emphasis on the youth league's dual role in safeguarding the country and contributing to its economic progress. The CNDD-FDD leadership views the Imbonerakure as integral to Burundi's stability and future, positioning them as key actors in both national defense and community development efforts.
Historical Context and Threats
President Évariste Ndayishimiye referenced the 2015 crisis in his remarks, asserting that attempts to overthrow institutions during that period were feasible because the state was still "fumbling." Today, he stated, such an outcome is "almost impossible." This assertion points to the government's confidence in its current stability and its ability to withstand internal and external pressures. The 2015 crisis stemmed from then-President Pierre Nkurunziza's decision to seek a third term, which opponents argued violated the constitution and the Arusha Accords that ended Burundi's civil war. The ensuing unrest and violence led to a failed coup attempt, widespread protests, and a significant exodus of Burundians, with many fleeing to neighboring countries. The President's current declaration regarding the Imbonerakure's enhanced role positions the youth league as a key component in preventing a recurrence of such instability and ensuring the resilience of state institutions.
Despite the government's portrayal of the Imbonerakure as a patriotic and developmental force, human rights organizations consistently denounce the group's alleged involvement in human rights violations. These organizations have documented numerous instances where members of the Imbonerakure are accused of arbitrary arrests, intimidation, torture, and extrajudicial killings, particularly targeting perceived political opponents. Such accusations have led to international scrutiny and calls for accountability, with critics arguing that the group operates with impunity. The continued allegations from human rights bodies show persistent concerns about the Imbonerakure's conduct and its impact on the civilian population, raising questions about the balance between security and human rights in Burundi. These reports from human rights organizations highlight the complex and often controversial nature of the Imbonerakure's activities.
