Burundi's ruling party hardliners to consolidate power
Friday, September 16, 2016
Significance
The assassination is the latest in a series of violent incidents linked to an ongoing political crisis in the country. Results from a recent party congress of the ruling National Council for the Defense of Democracy - Forces for the Defense of Democracy (CNDD-FDD) suggest that constitutional term limits could be lifted to allow for President Pierre Nkurunziza to retain office -- a key factor driving the current political tensions.
Impacts
- An unresolved political crisis could damage relations with the EU as it pushes for an East Africa trade deal.
- Prevailing hardliners within the CNDD-FDD may exacerbate historical and ethnic divisions.
- The political crisis may reduce trading and worsening foreign currency shortages.