Burundi 1993–2023: Decades of Missed Opportunities

Abstract Burundi’s internal conflict has continued since independence in 1962. Its subsequent phase erupted in 1993 after the assassination of democratically elected President Melchior Ndadaye, lasted more than a decade, and resulted in the collapse of the country’s economy. Democratic parliamentary and presidential elections were not held until 2005. The period under then-elected President Nkurunziza (2005–2020) will go down in history as marked by the difficult economic situation and the persecution of political opponents. The change of president in 2020 provided an opportunity to reverse unfavourable development trends, but the assessment of President Melchior Ndayishimiye’s leadership does not provide grounds for optimism. The main purpose of this paper (conducted in the form of a case study) is to analyse the current socio-political situation in Burundi, along with an attempt to answer questions about the chances of ending the conflict, avoiding the threat of its internationalization in the region, and effectively rebuilding the country. Awareness of the state’s poor condition constructs the main research hypothesis of the article, that the flawed leadership of the last two presidents is resulting in measurable negative effects on the state’s post-conflict reconstruction processes and its economic development. The study, in accordance with the accepted premise of conducting qualitative research, has been prepared based on a critical analysis of sources, reports of institutions and non-governmental organizations, data from rankings of reputable think tanks, as well as based on the literature on the genesis and course of the internal crisis in Burundi. The study confirmed that the lack of stable governance and a responsible leader with the will to bring peace and a policy of stable development, translated into the country’s dire economic situation and the low standard of living of its citizens.