Burundi

Burundi signed agreements with the World Bank on three grants for a total USD 168,3 million that will finance a climate resilience project and two energy projects

50 postgraduate students pursuing a master's degree at the University of Burundi were awarded a scholarship by the Chinese ambassadors, calling the initiative 'a strong sign of international solidarity and a strategic investment'.

The Independent National Electoral Commission rejected all the candidatures of the only opposition political coalition 'Burundi Bwa Bose' and the main opposition party CNL

Rebel attack killed at least 20 close to the Lake Tanganyika border with DRC; it is the second attack in two weeks by the RED-Tabara rebels, who have been battling government since 2015 mainly from DRC bases and largely inactive inside Burundi since 2021

The 80 km stretch of road from Gitega to Ngozi doesn't offer any taxi (probox) direct link any more; due to increasing operation costs, drivers stop in Mutaho where clients must change car, with the result that fee have almost tripled

Launched on 14 November, the operation to decongest the prisons was criticised by inmates and local associations, who denounced an 'activity marred by many irregularities' and asked President Ndayishimiye's office to intervene personally to correct them

President Ndayishimiye ordered the release of around 41% of the 13.211 detainees accused of petty crimes, hoping this will allow them to change their behaviour and contribute to the country's development; those arrested for political beliefs are excluded

The African Development Bank has contributed to the country's development with 173 funded projects totalling approximately $1,52 billion; current initiatives are aligned with Burundi's National Development Plan (2018-2027) and Vision 2040-2060

Akazehe, a back and forth dialogue in song, is an ancient tradition shared exclusively among women and is a way of greeting each other affectionately between mothers and daughters; the unique akazehe is now in danger of disappearing

A hydroelectric power plant in Rusumo is providing a stable supply of electricity to a hospital in Gitega; Burundi is one of the least electrified countries in the world, only 10% of the population has access to electricity

Torrential rains have destroyed or damaged homes and hectares of cultivated fields with banana, cassava, bean, coffee and fruit trees; victims are calling for emergency aid