General Background:
Burundi is a small country in the Great Lakes region of Africa. It is bordered by Rwanda on the north, Tanzania on the south and east, and the Democratic Republic of Congo on the west. Although the country is landlocked, much of its western border is adjacent to Lake Tanganyika. Sometimes referred to as ‘the heart of Africa, due to it’s distinctive shape and central location, Burundi is geographically isolated, with few resources and mounting population pressures.
There are around 8 million people living in Burundi currently, with half the population under the age of 14 and with most people living in rural areas. The capital city is Bujumbura.
Historically speaking, Burundi shares some experiences with its neighbour, Rwanda. Originally part of the same colony, Ruanda-Urundi, Burundi was initially governed by the Germans, until the Belgians took over after the First World War. Using a similar model of colonial rule as implemented in Rwanda, the Belgians launched a system of ruling through one particular tribal group, until independence was granted in 1962. This policy led to a series of genocidal incidences throughout the early decades of Burundi’s independence as Hutu and Tutsi fought for control of the country – these isolated conflicts became a civil war in 1993.
In 2005 a peace agreement was signed between the government and remaining groups, resulting in the formation of a transitional government. Pierre Nkurunziza was elected president at that time and set about trying to reconcile and reunite the country. Though rebel groups still continue to cause problems, Burundi is now moving along a more positive path than it has done of late.
Mission in Burundi: Challenges and Opportunities:
In Burundi, CMS Ireland works alongside the Anglican province of Burundi – which covers the whole country. The Most Reverend Bernard Ntahoturi is its Archbishop. The province came into existence in 1992, and currently comprises 6 dioceses. In addition to the province, CMS Ireland also has specific relationships with Gitega and Matana dioceses.
Inevitably the years of conflict have affected the Church. Church buildings have been damaged and destroyed. Many clergy, church leaders, and members of congregations have been injured or killed, while others are internally displaced or refugees in camps in Tanzania. Many of the remaining clergy have been unable to access education or theological training.
The Church now has opportunities to make a crucial contribution during a time of rapid political, economic and social change to the re-building of the country. The church identifies the four following issues as key:
- Evangelism and mission (alongside faith-building, training and education).
- Development programs (as communities try to provide clean water, decent housing, schools, hospitals and clinics).
- Advocacy for those who affected by poverty and HIV/AIDS. (Speaking on behalf of the many who continue to suffer as a result of the war, orphans, widows, the displaced, and refugees. Ensuring that those being repatriated receive the basics for survival, and promote human rights).
- Peace and reconciliation in order to bring hope for a better, more secure future. (Encouraging negotiation and dialogue between different groups and factions. Finding ways to help the traumatized and bereaved, the returnees and the internally displaced. Enabling the youth to be peace-builders).
As part of our commitment to assist the church around the world in it’s local mission, CMS Ireland, working in conjunction with Lambeth Palace and the Anglican Province of Burundi, has sourced funds from Irish Aid to facilitate the reconstruction and rehabilitation of schools which were destroyed during the conflict.
