Théorie Consociative et Partage du Pouvoir au Burundi

Abstract

In order to put an end to a lengthy process of political transition, involving years of political violence, Burundi has introduced a system of power-sharing that is largely consociational. This article analyses the political and institutional reforms introduced by the Arusha Peace Agreement signed in 2000 and the Constitution of 2005 in the light of the new political landscape resulting from the 2005 elections. These have been primarily marked by the victory of the former rebellion CNDD-FDD and the election of its leader Pierre Nkurunziza as the new president. Power-sharing in Burundi is strongly based on consociational pillars, such as the grand coalition, proportionality, veto rights and elite cooperation. Although the literature on consociationalism allows for some optimism that Burundi will benefit from a period of political stability, several problems and challenges remain. These are, amongst other things, related to the largely externally driven nature of Burundi’s power-sharing arrangement.