Burundi

Burundi has proudly joined the ranks of the few nations that have successfully eradicated trachoma, a debilitating tropical affliction. This disease, which spreads through personal contact, contaminated surfaces, and the involvement of flies, has long plagued vulnerable communities. Now, Burundi stands as the eighth country in the region to declare victory over trachoma, marking a significant milestone in public health. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the World Health Organization, acknowledged this…

**Mogadishu (AX)** — In a significant move towards enhancing stability in Somalia, the African Union (AU) has decided to extend the presence of Burundian troops for another six months. This extension is part of an overarching strategy aimed at reinforcing efforts against the militant group al-Shabaab while simultaneously supporting state-building initiatives in the tumultuous region. The decision was made during a virtual meeting held on Thursday, convened by the line ministers of AU member states who comprise the African…

African Union Extends Burundi Troop Presence in Somalia by Six Months By Edited By Ali MusaAxadle Times International–Monitoring MOGADISHU, July 5 – In an unexpected turn of events, the African Union has decided to extend the deployment of Burundian troops in Somalia for an additional six months. Originally, plans were laid out for a complete troop withdrawal by June 30, 2025, marking the transition from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) to the newly formed African Union…

In a dramatic culmination of Burundi's recent parliamentary election, the ruling CNDD-FDD party has captured all 100 seats, boasting an overwhelming 96% of the total votes across the nation. This undeniable triumph, however, hasn’t come without controversy. While the electoral commission has reported only minor irregularities, opposition parties and various human rights organizations have voiced serious concerns regarding the integrity of the process. As we navigate the complexities of this electoral outcome, it prompts us…

On a pivotal day, Burundians cast their votes to shape the future of their parliament. With the ruling party positioned to secure a dominant victory, the political landscape appears decidedly lopsided. This comes on the heels of a notable development: the main opposition party, the National Freedom Council (CNL), was effectively barred from participating in this electoral process. How does one reconcile democracy with such blatant exclusion? The CNL, which emerged as the runner-up in the contentious 2020 elections, had its…

In a striking display of diplomatic tension, Rwanda's Foreign Minister, Olivier Nduhungirehe, has decisively refuted claims made by Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye. Ndayishimiye characterized these allegations as stemming from "credible intelligence" suggesting that Kigali harbors intentions of launching an offensive against its neighbor. Nduhungirehe, however, labeled such assertions as "unfortunate," emphasizing that both nations are currently engaged in ongoing peace negotiations. He highlighted shared…

Clash of Narratives: Burundi and Rwanda in Diplomatic Crosshairs In recent developments, Burundi's President, Évariste Ndayishimiye, stirred diplomatic waters when he candidly revealed to the press his possession of "credible intelligence." This intelligence allegedly points to an impending attack by Rwanda on Burundi. Such claims are not made lightly. Given the tense history of this region, these words have gravity, not just as a political maneuver but also as a harbinger of possible conflict. To many, this…

The situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has deteriorated into chaos as conflicts flare between the Congolese army and the Rwandan-supported M23 rebels. This escalation has forced nearly 80,000 individuals to flee to neighboring countries, a grim statistic reported by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). What's more, in just a fortnight at the end of February, over 800 cases of rape were documented by humanitarian organizations, underscoring a horrifying trend of violence against civilians. These acts of…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a pivotal twist of regional dynamics, Burundi has commenced the withdrawal of its troops from Somalia. This move marks the end of an 18-year era of military involvement under the auspices of the African Union's peacekeeping initiatives. But what's driving this significant change? The roots trace back to a contention over troop contributions to the recently minted African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia, or AUSSOM, which took the baton from the African Union Transition Mission in…

Burundi Troops Leave Somalia Amid AUSSOM Force Size Dispute MOGADISHU, Somalia - Burundi's bold decision to withdraw its troops from the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) echoes a significant diplomatic rift. This decision unfurls a tapestry of questions and challenges amid an already complex scenario in the Horn of Africa. What exactly prompted this exit, and what are its implications for the region struggling against the tide of extremism? Once heralded as a symbol of collaborative…