Burundi

UN humanitarian officials announced that the UN relief chief has allocated $2,5 million to support flood response efforts in Burundi, where nearly 300.000 people have been affected by the ongoing meteorological events

UNHCR issued a statement to the Burundian refugees in the Nyarugusu and Nduta camps in Tanzania that there is no other decision for them but to return to their country given the closure of the refugee camp by 31 December

Thousands of people have been displaced by flooding caused by the overflowing of Lake Tanganyika, 2nd largest freshwater lake in the world; the capital Bujumbura, on the north-eastern side, has been severely affected along with other coastal cities

The Talitha Koum centre breaks the taboo of autism, still little known in Burundi where autistic children are often hidden, accused of being spoilt, capricious or possessed

The First Lady of Burundi, along with the National Project Coordinator, visited BGI Group's perennial rice demonstration site in Karuzi to assess the progress of rice cultivation

The African Water Fund has approved a grant of approximately €2 million to Burundi for the project "Development of Water Resources and the Ruvyironza Multifunctional Dam to Improve Water and Food Security and Enhance Access to Electricity"

African Trade and Investment Development Insurance provided political risk insurance coverage for Songa Energy's $7.7 million Ruvyironza hydropower project in Burundi

The leader of Burundi's main opposition party, the National Freedom Council, said he will return to Burundi as soon as possible because the country needs his contribution to national development

Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye called for more private investment in the tourism sector to help the country achieve its vision of becoming an emerging economy in 2040

Dozens of Burundian soldiers were reportedly arrested for refusing to be deployed in eastern Congo in the fight against the M23 rebel group advancing towards a major border town

The government adopted a bill to abolish prison sentences for journalists who file ethical complaints, but recommends fines of between $350 and $523 for media workers who have violated journalistic ethics

The average size of family farms is shrinking in rural areas due to population pressure, with fertility being lost due to over-exploitation and farmers seeking new areas, leading to weakening rivers such as the Ruzizi

The IMF expects Burundi's economy to expand by 4,3% this year from 2,7% in 2023; growth would be supported by strong agricultural production, productive investment and ongoing reforms