The Impact of Institutional Arrangements on Political Settlements in Burundi: 1993-2020

This research set out to analyze the relationship between institutional arrangements and political settlements by looking at the case of Burundi (1993-2020) at the time when the country was recovering from political instability. The objectives of the study were to: evaluate the effectiveness of Burundi's institutional arrangements affecting the presidency and military as tools for sustainable political settlements in Burundi; determine how socio-political and economic institutional arrangements have affected political settlement in Burundi and to analyse whether the political settlements and institutional arrangements have resulted in meeting the long-term needs and interests of common Burundian people. The period between 1993 and 2020 is relevant in responding to this issue because Burundi has seen significant political settlements that were followed by institutional arrangements during this time. The research employed two theories; neopatrimonialism theory and public choice theory. Questionnaires with both multiple choice and open-ended questions were used to collect data from people who have related with Burundi within the period under study. A total of 40 participants, who included Burundian citizens, Persons who have interacted with Burundi, diplomats and scholars were involved in research. Thematic analysis method was used in identifying common issues raised by the respondents in the open-ended questions. Multiple choice questions were presented in graphs. The findings show that although Burundi has made progress in sustaining political settlements, its governance system is still largely aligned to the needs of the ruling elite. The common people only support the new institutions because they appreciate the newfound stability. However, there are no other tangible economic and political gains for civilians in the new institutional arrangements.