Burundi

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

The Geographical Institute of Burundi has announced the start of the agricultural season, which forecasts say tends to be wetter than the previous year in some areas of the country

The national census of population, housing, agriculture and livestock began, and President Evariste Ndayishimiye called on citizens to provide correct information to help plan projects

A relentless "wave of repression", according to Amnesty International, is characterizing President Evariste Ndayishimiye rule, despite the hopes for change pinned on his inauguration four years ago

Thousands of Christians flocked to the Marian shrine of Mugera, located in the centre of the country, more than 150 kilometres from Bujumbura, to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption, one of the main feasts of the Catholic Church

Supplies at the Bururi regional blood transfusion centre have been lacking for more than two weeks and health officials in southern provinces expressed concern for patients

5.000 people in Burundi have been provided dental care performed by a Turkish medical team thanks to a collaboration between the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency and the Friends of All Africa Association