Featured stories about Burundi
Stories about Burundi
Peri-urban Burundi residents still affected by flooding
In some neighbourhoods on the outskirts of Bujumbura, the capital of Burundi, floods occur regularly without the government finding a lasting solution.
Burundi’s plastic bottle recycling still has some way to go
Despite sound legislation being in place, plastic bottle recycling remains a challenge in Burundi. Plastic pollution also has an impact on its flooding.
Women gain foothold in Africa's political landscape
Until now, 12 women have either served or are serving as the head of state in Africa. Although women are still a minority in politics, this is ultimately a paradigm shift.
Global Voices seeks an editor to lead our Francophone Sub-Saharan Africa coverage
Are you a writer and editor with a deep understanding of and curiosity about all facets of Francophone Sub-Saharan Africa? Apply to be our Regional Editor for Francophone Sub-Saharan Africa!
Namibian female sprinters are victorious at World Under-20 Athletics Championship amidst bans over discriminatory tests
In April 2021, the World Athletics introduced new rules for female classification which banned four athletes — all from Africa — from participating in the 800m race.
Burundi is releasing thousands from jail, but many political prisoners remain behind bars
The authorities seek to relieve pressure on the country's overcrowded jails as well as improve diplomatic relations, notably with Europe, which has imposed sanctions on Burundi following its controversial 2015 elections.
Personal attacks follow Burundi human rights defender into exile in Uganda
The harassment began in September 2017 after the release of a “hugely damning” UN Commission of Inquiry report on human rights abuses in Burundi, and Chantal Mutamuriza was "singled out as being involved."
Will Burundi's new government lift restrictions on its once-lively press?
Burundi's new president has recently offered an olive branch to suspended media as the government seeks to improve the country's international reputation.
UN Security Council ends reporting on Burundi, but human rights monitors remain concerned
UN Security Council ended specific reporting on Burundi after several months of a new government, but human rights monitors remain concerned.
Burundi’s President Pierre Nkurunziza unexpectedly dies, but the political party continues
Burundi’s President Pierre Nkurunziza unexpectedly died, but the CNDD-FDD political party — in power since 2005 — continues.
Burundi voted — but will the political situation change?
Burundians voted on May 20 for a new president, with official results expected next week. The new president will face pressing questions on international relations, media repression, inclusive economic policies and impunity.
In Burundi, four journalists jailed for months await appeal
The four jailed journalists with Iwacu were accused of threatening state security on the basis of a WhatsApp message sent as a dry joke while reporting on a rebel attack.
Ahead of contentious elections, Burundi faces its first COVID-19 cases
The upcoming election in Burundi has been surrounded by concerns over security and transparency. Now, the COVID-19 pandemic poses another public safety concern.
A ‘sweet’ deal: Sugar war ends between Tanzania and Uganda after years-long embargo
After a years-long ban on sugar imports from Uganda, Tanzania announced that it would open up trade on a government-to-government basis, strengthening ties within the East African Community.
Burundian refugees living in Tanzania face forced repatriation
An agreement could see Burundian refugees soon forced to return from Tanzania, despite dangers ahead of Burundi's 2020 elections.
Malaria has affected over 5 million people in Burundi so far this year
In Burundi, so far this year, malaria has affected 5,738,661 million people — that's about half its population. Yet, the government hesitates to declare an epidemic.
New Burundian opposition party faces intimidation ahead of 2020 elections
Opposition harassment has risen ahead of 2020 elections. The government rejects criticism as "misinformed" or "imperialist" and seems prepared to double down on local and international critics.
Burundi: Scribble on the president's picture — go to jail
"If I did this in Nkurunziza’s Burundi, I could be jailed."
Burundian troop withdrawal from Somalia leads to another diplomatic standoff
Amidst Burundi's ongoing political and economic crisis, funding from international peacekeeping missions is a significant source of foreign currency. Now, AMISOM has asked Burundi to reduce their troops from Somalia.
Burundi clamps down on international NGOs and rejects human rights criticisms
In September, the National Security Council announced all NGOs – except in hospitals and schools – were suspended for three months from October 1, and mining companies for one month.
Burundi's contentious constitutional referendum reflects deeper political problems
Whether a sign of independence or authoritarianism, Burundi's constitutional referendum appears to have further cemented divisions.
