Nova Southeastern University NSUWorks Department of Conflict Resolution Studies Theses CAHSS Theses and Dissertations and Dissertations 1-1-2018 A Critical Analysis of Presidential Term Limits in Africa: A Mixed-Methods Case Study of Causes of Political Violence in Burundi Foday Darboe [email protected] This document is a product of extensive research conducted at the Nova Southeastern University College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. For more information on research and degree programs at the NSU College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, please click here. Follow this and additional works at: https://nsuworks.nova.edu/shss_dcar_etd Part of the Arts and Humanities Commons, and the Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons Share Feedback About This Item NSUWorks Citation Foday Darboe. 2018. A Critical Analysis of Presidential Term Limits in Africa: A Mixed-Methods Case Study of Causes of Political Violence in Burundi. Doctoral dissertation. Nova Southeastern University. Retrieved from NSUWorks, College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences – Department of Conflict Resolution Studies. (108) https://nsuworks.nova.edu/shss_dcar_etd/108. This Dissertation is brought to you by the CAHSS Theses and Dissertations at NSUWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in Department of Conflict Resolution Studies Theses and Dissertations by an authorized administrator of NSUWorks. For more information, please contact [email protected]. A Critical Analysis of Presidential Term Limits in Africa: A Mixed-Methods Case Study of Causes of Political Violence in Burundi by Foday Darboe A Dissertation Presented to the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences of Nova Southeastern University in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Nova Southeastern University 2018 Copyright © by Foday Darboe June 2018 July 6th, 2018 Dedication This dissertation is dedicated to all the research participants in this study. Without them, this study would not have seen the light of the day. I would also like to dedicate this dissertation to all the civil society groups across Africa for their tireless work in promoting democracy and good governance. Finally, I dedicate this dissertation to uncle Ousainou Darboe for his sacrifices in fighting dictatorship in the Gambia. Acknowledgments While this dissertation carries my name, numerous people have made significant contributions. I am very thankful for the endless advice and encouragement of Dr. Ismael Muvingi, my committee chair, for his constructive analysis and for guiding me to form my preliminary concepts into this final project. Without Dr. Muvingi’s continuous guidance, this study would not have been achievable. I would also like to register my appreciation to my two dissertation committee members: Dr. Urszula Strawinska-Zanko, and Dr. Elena Bastidas. Throughout this process, they have provided important insights and contributions that refined this study. Thank you, as well, to the faculty and staff in the Department of Conflict Analysis and Resolution Studies for all your support and encouragement. I would also like to recognize all the participants in this study for taking the time to share their knowledge and experience. My two research gatekeepers immensely contributed their time and personal resources by connecting me with participants. They have all asked to remain anonymous due to the gravity of the conflict in Burundi. Thanks also to Association Saint François d'assise, IBurundi and to BurundiFacts for also providing participants for this study. I hope that I have created an environment conductive to all your views being heard. I am highly indebted to my father, Salim Darboe, and my mother, Jabbie Darboe, for their unconditional love, for instilling in me the value of education at a very young age, and for their continuous support. You made me who I am today. To my siblings–– Lamin, Kumba, Marie, Mba, Sabel, Kumbading ding, Fanta, Aja Mai, and Aunty Adama––thank you for always supporting my endeavors. I would also like to acknowledge my fiancée, Alexandra, for her endless support, love, and encouragement. When I needed support, she was always there for me. I can never thank her enough. Finally, yet importantly, to my colleagues and friends who helped me through this journey: thank you for your support. Table of Contents List of Tables .................................................................................................................. v List of Figures ................................................................................................................ vi List Abbreviations and Acronyms ................................................................................ vii Abstract .......................................................................................................................... ix Chapter 1: Introduction to the Study ............................................................................... 1 Problem Statement .......................................................................................................... 1 Historical Overview of Burundi ................................................................................. 7 Violence by Ruling Party Youth and Security Forces ........................................ 10 Violence by Armed Opposition Groups ............................................................. 13 Role of the International Community ................................................................. 14 Relevance of the Study ............................................................................................ 29 Definition of Terms .................................................................................................. 30 Research Questions .................................................................................................. 32 Qualitative Question ........................................................................................... 32 Sub-Questions ..................................................................................................... 32 Quantitative Questions ........................................................................................ 33 Organization of the Study ........................................................................................ 33 Chapter 2: Literature Review ........................................................................................ 35 Introduction .............................................................................................................. 35 What are Presidential Term Limits? ................................................................... 36 Lack of Checks and Balances ............................................................................. 37 Weak Government Institutions ........................................................................... 41 i Electoral Malpractice .......................................................................................... 45 Greed and Corruption ......................................................................................... 50 Fear of Punishment ............................................................................................. 54 Gaps in the Literature ............................................................................................... 59 Theoretical Framework ............................................................................................ 60 Explaining the Conflict with Elite Theory .......................................................... 60 Explaining the Conflict with Intergroup Conflict Theory .................................. 65 Explaining the Conflict with Structural Violence Theory .................................. 68 Summary and Conclusion ........................................................................................ 73 Chapter 3: Research Method ......................................................................................... 75 Introduction .............................................................................................................. 75 Overview of Research Methodology ....................................................................... 75 Philosophical Foundation .................................................................................... 76 Case Study .......................................................................................................... 77 Research Questions .................................................................................................. 80 Qualitative Research Question ............................................................................ 80 Sub-Questions ..................................................................................................... 80 Quantitative Research Question .......................................................................... 80 Hypotheses ............................................................................................................... 80 Data Collection Methods ......................................................................................... 81 Quantitative Data Collection ............................................................................... 82 Qualitative Data Collections ............................................................................... 84 Quantitative Data Analysis ................................................................................. 87 ii Qualitative