Sixty years after independence, Burundi ranks as the poorest country on the planet in terms of GDP per capita, and a history punctuated by political upheavals

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