In a significant move aimed at unity and reconciliation, the party agreed to accept such individuals back into its fold, albeit under strict conditions. The returnees will not be allowed to contest any internal party elections or vie for any official positions for five years. According to leaked resolutions from the congress, all returning members must go through proper party structures before their re-admission is finalised. This process applies to everyone, whether they seek to be life card-carrying members or not. The intent, according to the resolution, is to determine the sincerity of these individuals in wanting to rejoin the BNF. “This will help determine if these members genuinely want to be part of the party or not. Again, they should not hold any party positions,” the resolution states. This development follows a proposal made by party president Duma Boko, who brought the issue before the congress, urging them to consider forgiveness for those who had left the party in the past. Boko emphasised that although these individuals had once turned their backs on the BNF, he had personally chosen to forgive them after reflecting deeply on the matter. However, he left the final decision to the congress, calling on members to debate and reach a firm resolution.
While the decision concerning returnees has been finalised, the status of members who were suspended by the congress remains uncertain. One of the most contentious issues involved the case of Gabriel Kanjabanga, a long-standing party member whose potential return was raised by the BNF Veterans Association during the congress.
