Representatives of Burundian opposition groups were expected to meet this week in Addis Ababa to formalise a new coalition ahead of the July 21 presidential election.

The country’s fractured opposition has been criticised for failing to speak with one voice during negotiations with the ruling party CNDD-FDD.

But now it is coalescing around one leader, a move that could increase its political leverage and standing.

Officially announced last Wednesday, the National Council for the Restoration of the Arusha Accord and the Rule of Law in Burundi brings together all anti-Nkurunziza voices.

Some Burundian political actors are said to have thrown their weight behind the group — which includes defectors from Mr Nkurunziza’s regime, including former second vice president Gervais Rufyikiri and former president of the National Assembly Pie Ntavyohanyuma.

It also has the backing of political parties, civil society leaders, rebel army generals and moderate CNDD-FDD members.

“Leverage is everything in negotiations, and this council will give us the political weight we need in order for President Nkurunziza and the world to listen to us,” Alexis Sinduhije, leader of the opposition party Movement for Solidarity and Development, told The EastAfrican.

Diplomacy

Several diplomatic attempts by regional leaders, the African Union and the United Nations have failed to end the political stalemate.

Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni — who is mediating the talks — failed to secure a deal last Wednesday, only urging the parties to “expeditiously continue” with negotiations.

But Thierry Vircoulon, a Central Africa analyst with the International Crisis Group, says its “too little, too late” because the government will hold the presidential elections on Tuesday.

A statement from the council leaders said they decided to form the group because President Nkurunziza has ignored all their “proposals of political compromise” and has consistently refused to “participate in the fundamental exercise of political dialogue.”

In Addis Ababa, the opposition groups will highlight their agenda and discuss how to forge a cohesive and more structured opposition leadership that will lead the country out of the crisis.

The most difficult job however will be securing international recognition and support for the transitional council as the legitimate voice of the Burundian people, and perhaps, as a future alternative to Mr Nkurunziza’s regime.

“We are going to put in place political and diplomatic committees to drive our agenda domestically and abroad,” said Mr Sinduhije.

He added that they will continue with protests in Burundi to “paralyse the work of the government.”

Addis was chosen for the meeting because the council wants to formally initiate contact with the AU, which has criticised President Nkurunziza’s decision to run for a third term.