In 2005, Burundi emerged from a 12-year civil war which had claimed the lives of around 300,000 people and displaced many more. The small, landlocked country has largely remained peaceful since then but Burundi is still one of the poorest countries in the world, and stability continues to be threatened by unrest in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo and recent political tensions.
Governance: having only recently emerged from conflict, Burundi’s prospects of future peace and stability depend on a properly functioning democracy, to which all citizens can contribute and where resources are managed for the benefit of all.
Secure livelihoods: 90% of Burundians make their living from agriculture, often subsistence farming, but competition for farmland is high and rainfall is erratic, particularly in the north and east of the country. Farmers need to adapt to changes in the climate and extract the greatest possible value from their harvest.
HIV: HIV is one of the major causes of mortality and stigma surrounding the illness is high in some regions.
Our work
Christian Aid works in Burundi with partner organisations to ensure that we are addressing the issues that matter most to poor people - supporting them in development that is truly sustainable and fair for all.
Our partners are mainly made up of faith-based organisations that exert considerable influence in all sectors of society.
Our partners
• Anglican Church of Burundi: the Anglican church is one of our most valued and influential allies in Burundi, working on HIV, livelihood and environmental programmes. By reaching and bringing together all sectors of Burundian society, it sets out to repair relationships damaged in the war.
• HUMURA: this consortium brings together religious leaders in the battle against HIV, both at community level where it raises awareness and encourages people to be tested, and at government level where it lobbies for the rights of people living with HIV.
• OAG: this organisation scrutinizes government policies and their implementation. It publishes studies on key issues and brings together authorities and citizens to discuss the impact of government decisions.
What you can do
• Help us continue our work in Burundi by donating.
• Help us eradicate poverty and injustice by taking action.
Further content
• Creating unity in post-conflict Burundi: The Most Reverend Bernard Ntahoturi, the Archbishop of Burundi, discusses some of the most pressing challenges facing his country.
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