A recent focus group study by NDI finds that in Burundi, a country historically fraught with ethnic conflict between Hutus and Tutsis, citizens today express little apprehension about current or future ethnic strife. Instead, it is regional, political, and economic differences that divide Burundians. And, despite politically-motivated violence and an opposition party boycott of 2010 elections, Burundians still embrace democracy and see elections as the best means for choosing their country’s leaders.

These findings and others are presented in a new NDI report, The Road Ahead: Citizen Attitudes about Burundi in the Post-2010 Election Period. The Institute conducted a total of 40 focus groups in 22 communities in Burundi, offering citizens a nonpartisan venue to express their views on the 2010 electoral process and other democracy-related issues. The goal of the study is to stimulate dialogue among Burundians — in government, the opposition and civil society — on how the country can respond to citizens’ concerns.

Burundians say their country is moving in the right direction because of improved social services and development policies. Participants, particularly from rural areas, praised government education and healthcare services. "We are grateful to this government that ensures free healthcare for children under five and free primary school enrollment," said a farmer from Tora. "Women give birth for free in hospitals. Former governments didn’t achieve this."

However, there are additional challenges in Burundi that participants believe should be addressed. The government receives blame for corruption, violations of human rights and civil liberties, and for a deteriorating economy. Also, because several opposition leaders fled the country after boycotting the presidential elections last summer, participants express fears about insecurity and a new rebellion led by these leaders. Burundian participants are eager for the leaders to return and for the government to engage in dialogue with the opposition.

Read the report in English or French»

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Pictured above: The cover of The Road Ahead.

Published April 25, 2011