AGP Executive Report

Reproductive Health Funding: Governments and partners pledged over US$715m at UNGA81 to expand family planning and maternal health, with Burundi among countries committing resources and the UNFPA warning funding cuts are putting services at risk. Pandemic Preparedness: Africa CDC and PAHO pushed for sustained financing for pandemic prevention, preparedness and response, as Burundi and Guyana joined efforts to strengthen cross-regional cooperation ahead of a UN high-level meeting on Sept. 25. Burundi at the UN: President Évariste Ndayishimiye urged Africa’s permanent inclusion on the UN Security Council and called for affordable financing, climate support, youth program resources, and backing for Burundi’s 2040–2060 development plan. Regional Trade & Health Logistics: Afreximbank issued a US$29m guarantee to scale the EAC Customs Bond, aiming to ease movement of goods across East Africa. Horticulture Push: Nine Eastern African countries launched the Horticulture Council of Eastern Africa to cut trade barriers and improve logistics and cold-chain systems, including Burundi. Human Rights Watch: The UN Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances concluded its 140th session, reviewing urgent and standard cases involving Burundi.

UN Diplomacy & Finance: Burundi President Évariste Ndayishimiye used the UN General Assembly to push for cheaper financing for developing countries, more climate support, funding for AU youth programs, and direct help for Burundi’s 2040–2060 plan. Health Security: Africa CDC and PAHO called for sustained investment in pandemic prevention, preparedness and response, while the IOM said Ebola surveillance is expanding across DRC borders with screenings at travel points and support for nearby countries including Burundi. Ebola Funding: The US pledged an extra $267 million for the Ebola fight as DRC deaths pass 3,700, bringing US total support to $886 million. Burundi at UN Health Cooperation: Burundi and Guyana joined PAHO and Africa CDC to back country-led cooperation and financing for PPPR. Regional Football (Burundi in focus): Tanzania beat Burundi 2-0 in the CECAFA U-20 semi-final to reach the final, while Burundi will play Uganda for third place; the tournament also sets up Burundi’s place in the 2027 U-20 AFCON finals in Ghana. UN Security Council Reform: Ndayishimiye renewed Burundi’s call for Africa’s permanent inclusion on the UN Security Council, arguing it would build trust and better representation.

Pandemic Financing Push: Africa CDC and PAHO, with Burundi and Guyana, urged sustained funding for pandemic prevention, preparedness and response at a UNGA side event, warning countries must invest before crises hit. Ebola Cross-Border Watch: As DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak grows, IOM is expanding surveillance beyond borders, screening travelers at major routes and working with neighbours including Burundi to cut transmission risks. Burundi at UN Health Talks: The same UNGA event highlighted country-led priorities and stronger regional capacity, with Burundi and PAHO/Africa CDC calling for resilient health systems. EAC Trade Boost: Afreximbank issued a US$29m guarantee to expand the EAC Customs Bond, including onboarding Burundi, aiming to speed and digitize cross-border trade. Football—AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: Group I kicks off with Algeria vs Zambia and includes Burundi in the qualifying mix, as the road to the 2027 finals intensifies. Regional Business Forum: The Alamein Africa Forum (Oct 2–4) is set to bring together African political and business leaders, with Burundi among expected heads of state.

CAN 2027 Football: Algeria’s “Desert Warriors” opened a new training camp at Sidi Moussa under coach Brahim Hemdani, with key changes after the World Cup and the injury withdrawal of Nabil Bentaleb; Adil Bourabaâ earned a first senior call-up as Algeria prepare to host Zambia then travel to face Burundi. AFCON Qualifiers Focus (Region): Zambia also stepped up preparations for its Group I clash with Algeria, with kick-off set for Friday, while the wider CAN 2027 qualifying race begins this week with 48 teams chasing 21 available spots (hosts Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda already qualified). Burundi in Sport: Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Heroes booked a CECAFA U-20 AFCON semifinal spot after beating Burundi 2-0, and the Burundi match is framed as a test after a slow start warning from the Tanzanian coach. Trade & Development: Afreximbank issued a US$29m guarantee to expand the EAC Customs Bond, aiming to speed up cross-border goods movement—building on pilots that already include Burundi and Rwanda. Health & Policy: Africa CDC chief Jean Kaseya urged local vaccine manufacturing as the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak continues to affect Uganda, DRC, Rwanda and Burundi. Regional Investment: Kigoma’s commissioner invited DRC and Burundi investors to explore opportunities tied to industry, trade, agriculture, fishing and tourism, highlighting the Kigoma Special Economic Zone. Visa Rules (Burundi-linked): Armenia published a restricted visitor-visa list requiring an invitation before applying, including many African countries such as Burundi.

AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda are already qualified as hosts, but still play the group stage—meaning only 21 extra spots are up for grabs for the rest of the 45 teams, with some groups featuring a host where only the top non-host advances. CECAFA U-20: Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Heroes booked the U-20 finals after beating Burundi 2-0 in Dar es Salaam, setting up a regional final ticket showdown. Health & Industry: Africa CDC chief Jean Kaseya urged local vaccine manufacturing as the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak continues to hit Uganda, DRC, Rwanda and Burundi. Trade & Investment: Kigoma’s regional commissioner Simon Sirro invited investors from Burundi and the DRC to explore opportunities around trade, industry, agriculture, fishing and tourism, highlighting the Kigoma Special Economic Zone. Sports Calendar: Round one AFCON 2027 qualifiers kick off 24–26 September, including Togo vs Burundi on 25 September. Visa Rules: Armenia tightened visitor visas for many countries, requiring an invitation before applying.

Burundi Rights Watch: At the UN Human Rights Council, CIVICUS warned that Burundi’s civic space is still under pressure, citing suppression of expression and association, unlawful detentions, and intimidation of activists and journalists. Regional Sports: CAN 2027 qualifiers map out key fixtures, including Algeria’s trip to Burundi on 29 September, while CECAFA U-20 semifinal action has Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Heroes warning against slow starts against Burundi. Cross-Border Mobility: Georgia expelled 83 foreign nationals recently and says more than 3,000 have been removed this year, including Burundian citizens, with entry bans imposed. Migration Pressure in Africa: South Africa relocated 278 foreign nationals from Che Guevara Road to Lindela after a standoff, saying they were verified as refugees or asylum seekers. Digital ID Push: Ethiopia plans to expand its National Digital ID Program to Zambia, Mozambique and Burundi, while Nigeria moves to fully digitize academic certificate authentication. Business & Trade: East African insurance regulators agreed to harmonise supervision rules across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi and DRC to support a more integrated market.

Human Rights Under UN Scrutiny: In Geneva, Civic space groups told the UN Human Rights Council that Burundi’s civic freedoms are still being suppressed, with reports of unlawful detentions, intimidation of journalists and activists, and torture concerns continuing despite UN attention. Food Security at UNGA: As leaders meet at the UN General Assembly, WFP says acute hunger is hitting 266 million people, while funding gaps are worsening the crisis and leaders are urged to protect civilians and humanitarian access. BRICS and Africa’s Role: A New Delhi BRICS summit is framed as a shift from expansion to building the group’s new structure, with Africa’s influence growing through full members South Africa, Egypt and Ethiopia, and partner roles for Nigeria and Uganda; Burundi is noted as AU chair invited for regional coordination. Burundi Education Push, With Gaps: Burundi’s President says a boarding school centre for 3,000 children is planned with UNICEF support, but separate reports show boarding schools in Burunga province are still short of beds, teachers, water and supplies. Local Justice and Safety: In Gitega, six people are held after a Nyangungu village fire, with witchcraft suspected; in Bujumbura, fuel shortages keep “canga canga” taxi drivers under police pressure and extortion complaints.

Burundi Education: President Évariste Ndayishimiye says the government will build a boarding school centre for 3,000 children, with UNICEF backing and support for child and youth programmes. Gitega Local Security: In Nyangungu village (Gitega), six people are in police custody after a fire destroyed a house; investigators are also looking into witchcraft allegations. Boarding Schools Under Strain: In Burunga province, boarding schools are struggling with shortages of beds, mattresses, teachers, water and supplies as the 2026-2027 school year begins. Human Rights Watch: The Iteka League reports 7,967 allegations of rights violations over Évariste Ndayishimiye’s first six years, including thousands killed, abducted or missing, and mass arrests. Regional Mobility & Travel: The UK published 2026 airport transit visa rules listing Burundi among countries whose travellers may be denied boarding without the required visa. Regional Politics: Kenya’s President William Ruto defended fuel import rules after Museveni’s remarks on intermediaries, while church and rights groups warned Kenya’s migrant crackdown risks xenophobic violence.

Youth Leadership: NRM Deputy Secretary General Rose Namayanja Nsereko urged East African youth to use civic and community platforms to build leadership skills, saying young people should not wait for formal government posts before contributing. Education & Child Support: Burundi plans a boarding school for 3,000 children with UNICEF support, while in Burunga province boarding schools are under pressure due to shortages of beds, teachers, water and funding. Local Justice & Rights: The Iteka League says Burundi recorded 3,157 deaths, 283 missing/abducted and 3,349 arbitrary arrests over six years, accusing the Ndayishimiye administration of continued repression. Public Safety: In Nyangungu (Gitega area), six people are held over a fire that destroyed a home, with witchcraft suspected. Transport & Daily Life: In Bujumbura, fuel shortages keep “canga canga” taxi drivers under police pressure and accusations of extortion. Regional Watch: East African insurance regulators (including Burundi) are moving toward harmonised supervision rules to create a more integrated market. International Travel Rules: The UK lists Burundi among countries whose citizens need an airport transit visa when passing through UK airports. Elections Abroad: Russian State Duma voting is underway across multiple African countries, including at Russian embassies in Burundi and elsewhere.

El Niño & Power Supply: Ethiopia’s state utility EEP says it may fully cut electricity to Bitcoin miners if drought worsens, after already slashing deliveries from 98% of contracted capacity to 23% as dam inflows fall. Regional Insurance Reform: East African regulators (including Burundi) agreed on a harmonised insurance supervision template and plan peer assessments in December, aiming for a more integrated cross-border market. Education in Focus: Burundi plans a boarding school for 3,000 children with UNICEF support, but in Burunga province boarding schools still struggle with beds, teachers, water and funding. Urban Transport Tensions: In Bujumbura, fuel shortages keep “canga canga” taxi drivers running amid police crackdowns and accusations of extortion. Human Rights Watch: The Iteka League reports thousands of alleged rights violations over Ndayishimiye’s six years, including killings, torture, arbitrary arrests and disappearances. AU Security Meeting: The Sahrawi Republic participated in the AU defence, safety and security committee session in Bujumbura, reaffirming support for continental peace and security efforts.

Education & Youth: Burundi plans a boarding school centre for 3,000 children, with UNICEF backing and support for child and youth programmes. School Conditions: In Burunga province, boarding schools are under pressure as they lack beds, mattresses, teachers, desks, water and funding, threatening how many pupils can be properly hosted. Justice & Memory: The family of Monsignor Joachim Ruhuna marks 30 years since his 1996 assassination, still demanding perpetrators be identified and brought to justice. Public Safety: In Nyangungu (Gitega), six people are detained after a fire destroyed a house; witchcraft is reportedly being investigated. Transport & Daily Life: In Bujumbura, fuel shortages keep “canga canga” drivers busy, but they accuse police of harassment and extortion. Rights & Repression Claims: The Iteka League says, over six years, there were 3,157 deaths, 283 missing/abducted, 348 torture cases and 3,349 alleged arbitrary arrests, accusing the Ndayishimiye regime of repression. Regional Refugee Watch: In Malawi’s Dzaleka camp, refugees report hunger, insecurity, unresolved deaths and alleged enforced disappearances, urging urgent UNHCR action.

Fuel Shortage & “canga canga” Drivers: In Bujumbura, persistent fuel scarcity is pushing shared taxi drivers to carry more passengers, while police crackdowns and alleged informal payments are sparking anger among drivers. Education Under Pressure: Burunga boarding schools are struggling with shortages of beds, teachers, and funding as the 2026–2027 school year begins. Nyangungu Fire Investigation: Six people are in police custody in Mutaho after a Nyangungu village fire; witchcraft is reportedly being considered as part of the probe. Human Rights Watch: The Iteka League says Burundi has recorded thousands of killings, abductions, torture cases, and arbitrary arrests over Ndayishimiye’s six years, renewing calls for accountability. Church Justice Reminder: Gitega’s Monsignor Joachim Ruhuna is marked 30 years after his 1996 assassination, with his family still demanding justice. Regional Refugee Woes: In Malawi’s Dzaleka camp, refugees report hunger, insecurity, and alleged enforced disappearances, urging UNHCR action.

Justice & Church Memory: Thirty years after the assassination of Monsignor Joachim Ruhuna, the former Archbishop of Gitega, his family says no verdict has been reached. His successor, Archbishop Emeritus Simon Ntamwana, recalled that Ruhuna’s body was hidden in the Mwumbu Valley and found a week later, and linked the killing to Ruhuna’s public stance after the Bugendana camp massacre. Local Security: In Nyangungu (Gitega), six people are in police custody after a fire destroyed a house; witchcraft is reportedly being investigated. Education Pressure: Boarding schools in Burunga province say the 2026-2027 year is starting with shortages of beds, teachers, water and funding, leaving some pupils unable to be properly accommodated. Refugee Hardship: In Dzaleka (Malawi), refugees accuse UNHCR and authorities of hunger, lack of water and medicine, unresolved deaths, and alleged enforced disappearances. Transport & Policing: In Bujumbura, “canga canga” drivers protest fuel shortages and say police extort at least 5,000 francs to avoid harassment. Rights Watch: The Iteka League reports 3,157 deaths, 283 missing/abducted and 3,349 arbitrary arrests over President Ndayishimiye’s six years, accusing the regime of continued repression.

UN Security Council Reform Debate: A new analysis argues Africa remains structurally sidelined at the UN because only five permanent powers can veto Security Council decisions, leaving African elected members unable to block outcomes as leaders prepare for the UN General Assembly debate on 22 September. Burundi-Kenya Trader Tensions: Burundi civil society is urging the African Union to step in over Kenya’s restrictions on foreign traders, warning the measures could fuel xenophobia and harm Burundians and other Africans in Kenya. Burundi AI in Religious Formation: In Gitega, Catholic formators and lecturers held a one-week seminar on Artificial Intelligence, stressing openness and vigilance as AI spreads across society. Health and Access (Regional): A report on kidney failure in Ghana highlights how lack of affordable dialysis can become a “death sentence,” underscoring wider health-system gaps across the region. Diplomacy/Europe: The Netherlands says it will close several missions, including its embassy in Bujumbura, with Dutch interests handled by neighbouring countries. Sports (Burundi-linked): Algeria named a squad for AFCON 2027 qualifiers including matches against Zambia and Burundi, with several World Cup absentees.

AU Intervention Call: Burundi civil society urged the African Union to step in over Kenya’s restrictions on foreign traders, warning the measures could fuel xenophobia and endanger Burundians and other Africans working in the country. Diplomacy & Cooperation: Burundi and Vietnam advanced cooperation after a Vietnam-Burundi political consultation, while Burundi’s foreign minister said China’s “self-reliance” development path should inspire developing nations. Health & Data: Africa CDC and AU member states moved to harmonise a Behavioural Intelligence and Infodemic Management framework, with Burundi among participating countries. Global Justice Debate: An expert told RT the ICC cannot deliver “real justice,” arguing powerful states avoid accountability while weaker countries face prosecution. Church & AI in Gitega: Catholic formators in Gitega held a seminar on Artificial Intelligence, stressing openness and vigilance as AI spreads across society. Sports (Burundi in focus): Algeria named a squad for 2027 AFCON qualifiers including matches against Zambia and Burundi. Regional Mobility: The EAC reported trade growth and a swing back to surplus, driven by rising exports.

EAC Trade Surge: The East African Community swung back to a surplus as total trade jumped 37% in Q2 2026 to about $52.3bn (Shs203.97tn), driven by exports rising faster than imports. Refugee Relocation in South Africa: After a four-month standoff, Durban cleared the Che Guevara Road camp; 274 asylum seekers and refugees were bused to Lindela in Gauteng, including 76 Burundians, while others were moved to temporary shelter in Durban. Burundi-DRC-Rwanda Tensions: UN-backed reporting raises concerns over “voluntary” transfers from eastern DRC to Rwanda, questioning whether refugees can truly refuse amid Rwanda’s role in areas controlled by armed groups. Public Health Cooperation: Africa CDC and AU states advanced a harmonised behavioural intelligence and infodemic management framework, with Burundi among the countries involved. Finance Leadership: The World Bank Group appointed Mary-Jean Moyo as IFC Division Director covering Tanzania, Burundi, DRC, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe, based in Dar es Salaam. Diplomatic Shift: The Netherlands announced it will close its embassy in Bujumbura as part of a wider diplomatic restructuring. Human Rights Warning: A UN report says people cooperating with UN human rights work face intimidation and reprisals, urging stronger protection and accountability.