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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.

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