Burundi

The struggle for power between the dominant Tutsi minority and the Hutu majority ever since it gained independence from Belgium in 1962. The ongoing conflict has resulted in more than 200,000 people being killed and an estimated 250,000 people displaced within the country. 

At least a further 700,000 refugees fled to neighbouring Tanzania, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo. 

Agriculture has been badly affected, and poverty and the spread of HIV & AIDS have increased.  

Following peace talks, a transitional government was installed in 2001, and a power-sharing plan allows for alternate Hutu and Tutsi Presidents.  But Hutu rebels are still active and a permanent peace has yet to be realised.

ActionAid in Burundi
ActionAid began work in Burundi in 1976 and now works in some of the most conflict-prone parts of the country.

Our work focuses on peace building, helping displaced people return to their homes and improving poor people’s ability to respond to future emergencies. 

We also provide training and information on HIV/AIDS, and we work with local organisations to support and care for thousands of people with AIDS and their families.

Fidele, a Tutsi primary school teacher, fled his village in 1993 after his wife and six children were murdered. Returning five years later he found himself teaching children whose parents were implicated in his family's deaths. 

After attending an ActionAid seminar on peace education and trauma counselling he came to terms with his feelings.

photo : ©Stuart Freedman/ActionAid