Featured stories about Burundi
Stories about Burundi
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.
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.
Burundi's Opposition Says Only ‘Yes’ Campaigning Is Allowed on Referendum to Extend President’s Rule
"The launch of the project to bury...the constitution by Nkurunziza is a declaration of war on the Burundian people. Between Nkurunziza and the Burundian people who will win?"
Burundian Refugees Face a Difficult Choice: Stay in Overburdened Camps or Return to Uncertainty
Some refugees are beginning to return, but the core problems of political and economic insecurity that led so many to flee remain unresolved. Life in camps, meanwhile, is challenging.
Ethnic and Political Violence Continue to Stain Burundi
"If I were to take you at your word, I would ask you why you insist on providing ammunition to the imperialist colonists that call us savages."
Burundi's Political Instability Is Worsening the Country's Food Crisis
While the whole of East Africa has been hit with a serious food crisis due to extreme weather, Burundi's political volatility has made the situation worse.
As Burundi's Political Crisis Simmers, Critics Are Silenced
Many reporters and activists have fled the country, and some are even missing.
“The Human Rights Situation in Burundi Is Deteriorating: We Need a New Approach to Show the World What is Happening”
"Strained relations in Burundi are causing price hikes and making life very difficult for the population. We need an urgent resolution to the Burundi crisis".
The Long Road of Burundi’s Diplomatic Isolation
Over the past several months, Burundi’s ongoing political-security crisis has exacerbated diplomatic tensions and local economic decline.
