#rwasa

If you're at home (not Burundi) and you need to be caught up: the FNL is the country's largest opposing political party.  Many opposition leaders claimed that there was fraud during the elections in 2010 and refused to participate further. They thought the international community would step in - a slight miscalculation that lost them government representation for the next five years. Most opposition leaders went into hiding or claimed asylum, as it turned out that CNDD-FDD (the government party) did not like people claiming they faked their win. Rwasa has remained in hiding since, and his disappearance raised many questions about possibilities for opposition in the next elections (2015).

Okay, back to today's programming.

Yesterday, Rwasa returned to politics under the condition that he would drop his beef with the last elections. Do Burundians really believe he stayed with them? All I know is that at least 1000-2000 people came out to the streets yesterday supporting his return to politics. Presumably, they believe Rwasa's heart never left Burundi, at the very least.  

Police blocked Rwasa from entering the venue with tear gas, batons, and guns at their sides; but they met only positivity - an optimistic crowd that continued to sing and cheer long after Rwasa left. At his home, even more people were gathered to meet him, awaiting his announcement.  Of course, Rwasa may not easily convince all who have risked their welfare to oppose the government in the absence of any support from leadership during the past three years. But for those who welcome him with open arms, I am glad police remained calm and people were allowed to assemble in support of what they believe. It is perfectly possible for CNDD-FDD to win in 2015 without stomping out free speech - in fact, I think they are more likely to give their supporters a platform to speak if they encourage discussion. Hushed whispers of dissent are not easily addressed.

More than anything else, yesterday's events show that Burundian passivity is less popular than we might think. The gatherings yesterday suggest that people are unafraid to speak their minds in the face of intimidation. Others say they think Rwasa should be locked up, and the key thrown away. I would be interested to hear their reasoning - but that discussion can only happen if Rwasa exists (a fact we've been uncertain of for over three years).