In New Year address President Nkurunziza said “negotiation” with opposition would raise unnecessary questions over 2010 election process, emphasised official channel Forum for Dialogue to address grievances. Rise in attacks targeting police in Bujumbura Rural province including 7-8 Jan attack on police post in Kanyosha commune, several police killed. Countering persistent claims by authorities that attacks in recent months carried out by “armed bandits”, perpetrators dropped leaflets claiming rebel responsibility during separate 17-18 Jan attack in same commune. Following Dec attempts to play down UN claims that National Liberation Forces (FNL) arming in eastern DRC, FARDC 27 Jan said 6 killed during 25-26 Jan clashes near Uvira in South Kivu triggered by rebel ambush. Govt 7 Jan cancelled $500mn contract signed 2009 with company AAE systems; followed international pressure and denouncement of contract by main anti-corruption body OLUCOME. Trial concerning April 2009 assassination of former OLUCOME VP opened 19 Jan, adjourned due to procedural issues.

Politically motivated assassinations of opposition figures reported in Bujumbura, including FRODEBU member shot dead 2 Dec, Union for Peace and Development (UDP) supporter killed 9 Dec and FNL youth movement local leader executed 22 Dec. Armed men in military uniform 13 Dec killed 4 in Bujumbura Rural province including ruling CNDD-FDD party member and ex-FNL member suspected of collaborating with govt. Authorities continue to refute indications new rebel movement forming: officials 6 Dec downplayed UN Group of Experts on DRC end Nov report, said UN claims that 700 FNL arming in east Congo needed to be verified. UNSC 16 Dec authorised significant reduction of UN office presence effective 1 Jan 2011. Grenade exploded in Bujumbura 31 Dec during New Year celebrations causing 3 fatal injuries; perpetrators yet to be identified.

Concern as govt crackdown on journalists, opposition, civil society continues to increase, rejuvenated National Liberation Forces (FNL) rebellion armed and active in Democratic Republic of Congo. Following Oct reports that former rebel FNL leader Agathon Rwasa rearming in DRC, FNL early Nov engaged in fighting in Congo’s South Kivu province (see DRC). Govt continued to deny reports new rebellion forming. Human Rights Watch 23 Nov released report claiming govt crackdown during and after troubled May-Sept local and national elections including torture, arbitrary arrests. Security forces 22 Nov killed 4 “unidentified” gunmen in 2 separate incidents in south. Gun- men in military uniforms 3 Nov killed FNL local leader Leonard Ndayishimye in Bujumbura Rural province; fourth local opposition leader killed in province since Oct. Parliament 12 Nov approved high-ranking ruling party member Mohamed Rukara as ombudsman with 80% majority, prompting sharp exchange between ruling CNDD-FDD and opposition UPRONA who claim Rukara not qualified for post.

Govt 23 Oct claimed Agathon Rwasa, leader of former rebel National Liberation Forces (FNL) who fled country after withdrawing from July presidential election, re-arming in DRC; suggested Rwasa also behind Aug, Sept attacks authorities previously attributed to “bandits”. Following Sept discovery of at least 14 mutilated bodies in Rusizi river, local rights NGO 16 Oct alleged police responsible for executing at least 22 former members of FNL; police refuted claims. Army clashed with alleged bandits 24-25 Oct, resulted in 8 casualties. Opposition arrests continue, including 7 Oct detention of Deo Nshimirimana, former MP and member of Union for Peace and Development. Outgoing UN Executive Representative Charles Petrie expressed concern over risk of return to violence.

Month saw escalating violent clashes between security forces and armed groups, as well as kidnappings and fatal attacks on civilians; increasing reports that, in fallout of opposition boycott of June presidential poll, former rebels rearming and recruiting, establishing new movement north of Bujumbura. Attacks included 8 Sept killing of 7 sugar factory workers in Rukoko marshes; discovery 11-12 Sept of 7 mutilated bodies in same area. No group claimed responsibility; authorities deny new rebellion forming, blame “unknown bandits” for incidents. 14 bodies found mid-month in Rusizi river, 4 of which identified as National Liberation Forces (FNL). Political situation remains unsettled despite opposition coalition Democratic Alliance for Change formal recognition of President Nkurunziza 2 Sept. Opposition arrests continue including 27 Sept arrest of Movement for Solidarity and Development spokesman Francois Nyamoya.

Following victory in 28 June election, President Pierre Nkurunziza (CNDD-FDD) officially inaugurated 26 Aug. Formation of new govt announced 29 Aug, meeting constitutional requirement for 60:40 share between majority Hutu (14 CNDD-FDD ministers out of total 21) and minority Tutsi (including 3 UPRONA ministers); UPRONA Terence Sinunguruza named as first VP, CNDD-FDD  Gervais Rufyikiri second VP. Amid persistent rumours that groups disgruntled with election process have set up base in Rukoko swamp and Kibira forest (former FNL area), army claim 50 unidentified gunmen 8 Aug conducted overnight looting raids on 2 villages north of Bujumbura; no casualties reported. Exchange of fire 26 Aug between police and armed group; at least 1 killed. Amnesty International 23 Aug released report alleging national intelligence services torture of 12 opposition members during election period June and July, called on authorities to investigate. Police 9 Aug raided main office of MSD opposition, arrested 6 activists; MSD president Alexis Sinduhige fled country. After being deposed 1 Aug from FNL leadership position Agathon Rwasa described raids, arrests as “provocative”, could have “unfortunate consequences”.

Electoral commission 27 July announced President Nkurunziza’s CNDD-FDD party won 81 of 106 seats in 23 July elections for lower house of parliament. Provisional results released 30 July indicated ruling party also won 32 out of 34 lower house seats in 28 July senate elections, boycotted by opposition. Police 10-11 July arrested 11 FNL members accused of attacks targeting ruling party; FNL claimed 50 arrested, EU observation mission stated total 242 arrests since May beginning of electoral process. 2 FNL cadres excluded from party 5 July for “insubordination” after criticising FNL elections boycott. FNL president Rwasa, still in hiding, issued message 8 July denying he was planning insurgency. Journalist Jean Claude Kavumbagu arrested 17 July on treason charges after questioning ability of security forces to face terror attacks. Reports emerged 26 July ADC coalition spokesman and opposition CNDD leader Leonard Nyungoma fled country fearing arrest. Public Works Minister Kanyenkiko 20 July resigned from FRODEBU executive committee and party in protest at election boycott.

28 June presidential election marred by violence before and after voting day, at least 5 killed in several grenade attacks and shootings across country. President Nkurunziza (CNDD-FDD) won with 91.6%; polls held despite opposition boycott and Nkurunziza being sole candidate. 77% voter turnout reported, EU observers “regretted” absence of multi-party competition but said people able to “exercise their right to vote”. Opposition dismissed vote as “masquerade”, said turnout closer to 30-40%. Opposition condemned police violence and govt banned demonstrations during UNSG Ban’s 9 June visit. Ban urged all parties to find consensus and participate in polls; AU Commission Chair Ping 25 June “concerned” by tensions, called for dialogue. Opposition 1 June formed new coalition (ADC) and called supporters to boycott polls. Govt expressed fear FNL president Rwasa, missing since 23 June, in Eastern Congo planning return to violence. Rwasa 30 June issued message saying he had fled because of “govt threats”. CNDD-FDD-linked Radio Rema allegedly broadcasted names of opposition members accused of “destabilising country”; local media, human rights groups 8 June lodged complaint against Rema with media authority.

Ruling CNDD-FDD won 24 May local elections, held after last-minute 2-day postponement, with 64%, followed by FNL 14%. 90.7% turnout reported; national and international observers said vote peaceful and fair; opposition challenged results and alleged fraud; riots in Bujumbura 29 May after FNL demonstration against alleged fraud, police arrested 50. Responding to CNDD-FDD and FNL skirmishes, police 4 May imposed curfew in Bwambarangwe (North). Govt 18 May expelled HRW researcher Neela Ghoshal after report on electoral violence.

President Nkurunziza 7 Apr fixed dates of communal, presidential, legislative and senatorial elections for 21 May, 28 June, 23 and 28 July respectively. Nkurunziza (ruling CNDD-FDD) designated party’s presidential candidate 24 Apr; 10 small parties 9 Apr formed coalition with CNDD-FDD for elections. EU announced deployment of electoral observers 4 Apr; EU SR for Great Lakes Roeland Van de Geer 22 Apr warned of risks of post-electoral violence. Teachers’ strike entered 7th week: negotiations stalled; govt 29 Apr banned strikes amid reports idle pupils an increasing strain on security. New SRSG and BINUB head Charles Petrie 19 Apr assumed position.