Burundi’s main opposition leader Agathon Rwasa on Sunday confirmed his party’s bid for the general elections slated for next year, reported Africa News.
He refuted all the speculations that he was going into exile amid government intimidation of some of opposition party members and supporters.
“Are you asking if I’m going into exile or going to hide? No I’m not,” Rwasa said adding, “Go tell them there is no question of going into exile, there is no question of going into hiding. What we’re doing is preparing for 2020.”
He also denounced what he described as arrangements aimed at getting rid of his party, the National Freedom Council, ahead of the 2020 polls and called on its activists to come together in the face of the difficult situation facing the party.
As announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission, the people of Burundi will vote to elect the president, MPs, and members of the communal councils on May 20, 2020. Election campaigning will begin on April 27, 2020, and end on May 17.
When asked about the numerous arrests of activists from his party, the opposition leader said the party members are ready to face any challenge.
Rwasa said his party is committed to preaching political tolerance and called on administrators in municipalities to respect the rights and freedoms of citizens.
“It is regrettable to see how so many administrative staff trample on the rights and freedoms of citizens without being prosecuted or at least called to order,” he said.
According to Human Rights Watch, intimidation of suspected opposition supporters has increased in Burundi. The increase in abuses follows the CNL registration in February and the approval of a constitutional referendum in May 2018 that extended the length of presidential terms to seven years.
