Burundi suspends main opposition party

Burundi's government has suspended the operations of the main opposition party in the central African country, citing "irregularities" that critics called an attempt to stifle dissent ahead of 2025 legislative elections.

The move by the interior ministry, announced in a letter released Tuesday, risks rekindling the political turmoil that has wracked the impoverished Great Lakes nations in recent years.

In response, the National Freedom Council (CNL) denounced "a serious violation of the constitution" in an attempt to "destabilise and weaken" the party after a recent redistricting of the country to come into effect in 2025.

The ministry said it was responding to complaints by eight CNL leaders who were ousted after opposing the party's president, Agathon Rwasa, in two recent party congresses.

"All activities organised by irregularly constituted grouaps are suspended nationwide," it said.

"Only meetings aimed at easing tensions within the party are authorised," it said. 

The party's secretary general, Simon Bizimungu, told AFP the ruling was a "serious violation of the constitution" and said it was "an attempt to weaken the CNL ahead of the 2025 legislative elections".

"There is no tension or opposition within the party. It's just a question of eight opponents without any influence, but who have the backing of public powers," he said.