Burundi has commemorated the 33rd anniversary of the assassination of former President Melchior Ndadaye, amid renewed concerns over the state of democracy in the country.
President Évariste Ndayishimiye and other dignitaries laid wreaths at the Heroes of Democracy Square in honour of Ndadaye and his associates. A mass was also held to remember victims of the October 20 and 21, 1993, coup d’état.
The anniversary provided an opportunity for political leaders to reflect on the country’s democratic progress, with some raising concerns over restrictions on political pluralism.
President of the Union for National Progress, UPRONA, Olivier Nkurunziza, said that despite the peace achieved, Burundi must embrace genuine democracy to prevent a possible return to one-party rule.
