In recent weeks, reports have pointed to a growing rift between President Ndayishimiye and the CNDD-FDD Secretary-General, Révérien Ndikuriyo, stemming from disagreements over who should be nominated as the party's candidate in the 2027 presidential election.
A faction of CNDD-FDD members calling themselves 'Bene Samurarwa' has emerged in support of Ndayishimiye. On December 6, 2025, the group held a meeting in the former Cankuzo Province, where they resolved to endorse him as the party's presidential candidate.
The meeting was attended by Minister Marie-Chantal Nijimbere, CNDD-FDD Deputy Secretary-General Cyriaque Nshimirimana, members of parliament from the Buhumuza Province, senior military officers, and business leaders.
However, Révérien Ndikuriyo, Senate President Gervais Ndirakobuca, and National Assembly Speaker Gélase Daniel Ndabirabe were notably absent. They are reportedly opposed to Ndayishimiye representing the CNDD-FDD in the upcoming presidential election.
Political analysts in Burundi argue that when Ndikuriyo resigned from his position as senator in early December 2025, it was a strategic move aimed at giving himself more time to prepare for his political future within the CNDD-FDD.
Sources indicate that Ndikuriyo has been actively campaigning within the party to consolidate support among its members, particularly influential figures with significant sway.
Among the arguments used by critics of Ndayishimiye's leadership are the country's continued economic decline since 2022 and his decision to deploy Burundian troops to eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where they have suffered setbacks against AFC/M23 forces.
During the launch of the book 'Une Nation en Marche' at Club du Lac Tanganyika Hotel on January 14, 2026, President Ndayishimiye suggested that some people around him deliberately refuse to advise him properly, hoping that he would fail so they could replace him.
'Some refuse to advise me, thinking that if I fail, they will take my place. But if I fail, the whole country fails,' he said.
President Ndayishimiye is also reported to be attempting to sideline Ndikuriyo, whom he reportedly views as a serious threat capable of challenging him during the party's internal selection process.
On January 25, CNDD-FDD members are set to convene for a General Assembly meeting expected to reshuffle some party leaders and national security officials. The meeting could also approve the party's candidate for the 2027 presidential election.
Musangwa Arthur
Source : https://en.igihe.com/politics-48/article/rift-widens-between-ndayishimiye-and-cndd-fdd-leadership
