Burundi is a country embroiled in tribal feuds and civil wars. The Tutsi tribal group currently controls the government and the army, but the Hutu tribal group far outnumbers the Tutsis. Assassinations and massacres from one tribe lead to bloody retaliations. Genocide has become a way of life in Burundi. In 1996, a Tutsi coup made Major Pierre Buyoya the Burundi president. Many peace talks over the years have led only to increased conflict. Burundi is a very dangerous country, but can be very rewarding.

Country Profile

Full country name: Republic of Burundi Area: 27,830 sq km Population: 6,373,002 Capital city: Bujumbura People: Hutu (Bantu) 85%, Tutsi (Hamitic) 14%, Twa (Pygmy) 1%, Language: Kirundi (official), French (official), Swahili Religion: Christian 67% (Roman Catholic 62%, Protestant 5%), indigenous beliefs 23%, Muslim 10% Government: Republic

Money & Costs

Currency: Burundi Franc
Exchange Rate: US$1 = 1,040 Burundi francs
Relative costs:
Budget meal: US$2-4
Budget room: US$8-10
Rooms can be had for as little as US$5 outside of the capital, and no more than US$20 in Bujumbura. Daily living costs shouldn't be much more than the price of a room.

On the Move

Burundi can be a very difficult country to travel in. While traveling within the country, stick with the natives who know where the rebels are. Running into rebel roadblocks can prove deadly, but many of the natives know which roads to avoid, making it reasonably safe. There is a good bus network in Burundi, but traveling by bus, like every other transportation, is not wholly safe. Travelers need to be constantly alert. Both buses and airlines out of the country are often unexpectedly canceled or delayed. It is important to be aware of this and know how to get out if the airlines are canceled. If you are stuck in Burundi, traveling across Lake Tanganyika and through the Democratic Republic of Congo is probably the best way to get out.

Religion

The majority of Burundians are Roman Catholic. There is little religious persecution; however, some religions that encourage civil disobedience have been restricted. Of the small Christian population, many of the leaders have fled the genocide, leaving a great need for leaders.

Call to Missionaries

Burundi is certainly a very difficult country to work in. Rebel factions can be a nuisance. Most people speak French or Swahili. But, the people of this war-devastated country are desperately in need of the good news of Christ. There are some peaceful areas. These villages rarely see Westerners and tend to be very receptive to the Gospel. Prayer is greatly needed for this tumultuous country that has so much constant conflict for many decades.