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Burundi voting ends in calm despite fraud allegation
Voting in Burundi’s presidential election passed calmly on Wednesday despite simmering political violence, the coronavirus pandemic and the opposition accusing the authorities of fraud.
In what could be the first competitive presidential election in Burundi since a civil war erupted in 1993, the ruling CNDD-FDD party’s candidate, retired general Evariste Ndayishimiye, is running against opposition leader Agathon Rwasa and five others.
President Pierre Nkurunziza, whose government has repeatedly been accused of rights abuses, will step down after 15 years.
Rwasa said electoral observers from his party were chased away from the polling stations.
“There is a massive electoral fraud. Our representatives, mandated to follow the electoral process to the end, have been chased. So how can you agree on results counted out of your sights?” he told Reuters.
The government did not respond to requests for comment about the fraud accusation.
Last week it expelled the head of the mission in Burundi of the World Health Organisation, who had criticised all parties for holding rallies despite the coronavirus pandemic.
Burundi has reported 42 coronavirus cases and one death. But only 633 tests have been carried out, according to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. The authorities said it was safe to vote despite the disease and called on Burundians to turn out.
“We call on Burundians to vote in massive numbers and vote peacefully. We need good elections,” Dr Pierre Claver Kazihise, chairman of the election commission, said in comments aired by state broadcaster RTNB.
Queues to vote were long in the morning in the main commercial city Bujumbura’s Musaga neighbourhood, where the opposition is popular.
“The voting is really taking place smoothly and I voted for change but I am pessimistic about the counting of votes,” said one resident who did not wish to be identified.
Several voters were worried that Twitter and WhatsApp – messaging services that can spread information quickly – seemed to be shut down.
The election is meant to usher in the first democratic transition in 58 years of independence, after widespread international criticism of the last election in 2015, when Nkurunziza won a third term and the opposition boycotted.
That election sparked violent protests that drove hundreds of thousands of Burundians into exile. The United Nations documented hundreds of killings and the torture and gang-rape of opposition activists. Donors withdrew funding. -Reuters
At least six people have been confirmed dead following a stampede at the El-Wak Sports Stadium in Accra today, November 12, 2025, during an ongoing military recruitment exercise according to the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF)
“The Ghana Armed Forces deeply regrets to inform the general public of a tragic stampede nrinr to the commencement of the 2025/2026 recruitment exercise today Wednesday 12 November 2025 at the El-Wak Sports Stadium, Accra,” GAF confirmed in a statement.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the stampede was triggered by an unexpected who breached security protocols and rushed into the gates ahead of scheduled screening surge of applicants hours.
“The unfortunate incident led to the death of 6 potential recruits and many others injured. The injured are currently receiving emergency medical care at the 37 Military Hospital. Ghana Armed Forces assures the general public that medical teams are working tirelessly to stabilise affected individuals,” the statement revealed.
Meanwhile, arrangements are being made to notify the families of the deceased.
The Ghana Armed Forces has extended its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and wishes a swift recovery to those injured.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The Ghana Armed Forces and the Ghana Police Service have launched simultaneous joint operations in parts of the Ashanti, Volta and Ahafo regions to arrest persons linked to recent attacks on anti-galamsey teams and other security officials.
The swoops, which began at dawn on Wednesday, November 12, are taking place in Dadwene and Anwona in the Ashanti Region, Ehi in the Volta Region, and Hwediem, Kenyase, Guaso and Marhani in the Ahafo Region.
According to a statement from the Ghana Armed Forces, the exercise is intelligence-led and targets individuals suspected of attacking members of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), some police officers, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officials, and journalists.
The Armed Forces and Police warned that anyone who tries to obstruct security operations, especially anti-galamsey activities, will face the full force of the law.
They assured residents in the affected areas that enough security measures have been taken to protect innocent citizens and urged them to remain calm and continue their daily activities without fear.
The statement commended civil society groups, the media and members of the public for condemning the recent attacks on security personnel and encouraged continued cooperation in the fight against illegal mining.
By: Jacob Aggrey
