Burundi – Trapped Democracy

Book launch. Former Burundian President Sylvestre Ntibantunganya discussed his new book, “Burundi: Democratie Piégée”, with Professor Stef Vandeginste (University of Antwerp) and Mrs Charlene Muco (Université Catholique de Louvain). The event was chaired by Frank De Coninck, Senior Research Associate at Egmont Institute and Former Special Envoy of the Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs for the African Great Lakes Region.

In his book, Sylvestre Ntibantunganya retraces the turbulent history of Burundi from the mid-1980s to the present, drawing on his own experience as a key political actor in this period. His book offers insights into why democracy has struggled to take roots in Burundi and reflects on the missed opportunities and the tragedies which have struck Burundi over the past 30 years. His testimony helps us to understand the current crisis and to put forward solutions to counter the mechanics of violence and put Burundi back on the path towards democracy and peace.