AGP Executive Report

BRICS Diplomacy & Global South: On the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, PM Narendra Modi held 15 bilateral meetings in three days, including talks with Russia’s Putin, China’s Xi, Iran’s Pezeshkian, and African leaders—Burundi President Évariste Ndayishimiye among them—focusing on trade, security, border peace, and Global South priorities. Cultural Diplomacy in Motion: BRICS spouses and delegations also toured Delhi’s heritage and markets, with Burundi’s delegation linked to visits such as Ambience Mall and DLF Emporio, while other countries’ groups sampled local food and crafts at summit-linked venues. Fact Check (Food Rumor): A viral claim that BRICS leaders were served “poha” was debunked: the MEA said the food shown was for journalists, not world leaders. Education & Gender: A global visual roundup highlights women’s growing lead in college enrollment across many countries, with Burundi mentioned among those with high breastfeeding rates—an angle tied to health and early-life support. Burundi’s Justice & Memory: In Gitega, 30 years after Monsignor Joachim Ruhuna’s assassination, his family renews calls for perpetrators to be identified and brought to justice. Refugees & Daily Survival: In Kakuma, Burundian refugees fear Kenya’s shifting foreign-trader policies will threaten livelihoods and spark harassment, as informal work becomes a pressure point. Sports for Youth in Burundi: German-Burundian defender Thilo Kehrer’s foundation continues expanding opportunities in Gitega through libraries, dance, cooking, and drum culture alongside football training. Regional Lifestyle Shock (Kenya–Burundi): Kenya’s 90-day push for foreign small traders to regularise status has eased some panic, but Burundians in Kenya still report fear of xenophobia and disruptions to informal business life.

Immigration & Livelihoods: Kenya’s crackdown on foreign small-scale traders is still shaking the region’s everyday life, with Burundians in Nairobi describing fear and harassment as they rush to embassies to regularise status or return home, while President William Ruto insists Kenya remains “open for business” if foreigners follow the law and obtain permits. Rights & Regional Integration: Legal and human-rights voices warn enforcement must not become xenophobia, stressing Kenya’s obligations under EAC free movement as officials shift from rhetoric to a 90-day regularisation push. Culture & Youth in Gitega: Footballer Thilo Kehrer’s foundation is expanding opportunities for children in Gitega through libraries, dance, cooking classes and drum culture, using sport as a bridge to education and hope. Diplomacy & Global South: Burundi President Evariste Ndayishimiye is among leaders attending BRICS Summit day two in New Delhi, where India’s theme centers on resilience, innovation and cooperation—an agenda that also signals attention to the Global South.

Foreign Traders Crackdown Fallout: Burundian tuk-tuk driver Ndaikech Ali says Kenya’s new enforcement has turned daily life hostile, with threats even reported from children, as Burundians queue at the embassy for travel documents. 90-Day Regularisation: Kenya says the directive is not a blanket ban; foreign small traders get 90 days to regularise immigration status, work permits, business registration and licences, and President William Ruto insists Kenya remains “open for business” if rules are followed. Rights and Diplomacy: Officials including Musalia Mudavadi tell diplomats foreigners can trade if papers are in order, while rights groups warn of intimidation and xenophobia risks. Political Tensions: Bumula MP Jack Wamboka and Governor George Natembeya warn Uganda against meddling in Kenya’s 2027 elections, linking regional politics to the crackdown. Burundi Culture & Youth: In Gitega, footballer Thilo Kehrer’s foundation continues “Terimbere” projects—libraries, dance, cooking and drum culture—using sport to open opportunities for children.

Burundi in the spotlight through sport and culture: German-Burundian defender Thilo Kehrer’s foundation in Gitega is using football to open doors for children, pairing an academy with traditional drum instruction, dance, libraries, and cooking classes under the Kirundi slogan Terimbere. EAC rights and paperwork for Burundians in Kenya: Kenya’s government says it has not imposed a blanket ban on foreigners in small-scale business, but insists on immigration, work permits, registration, and licensing—while reporting a 90-day grace period to regularise status. Xenophobia fears around trader crackdowns: Burundian traders in Nairobi have been rushing to the embassy for documents as enforcement triggers anxiety and accusations of intimidation, with rights groups and officials urging dialogue and protection. Regional diplomacy with cultural “red carpet” moments: Ahead of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi, spouses and families—including Burundi’s—are set for visits to museums and crafts sites, with tight security in place. Human stories of displacement: A Burundian-linked case in South Africa highlights a 14-year-old allegedly taken to Burundi, while elsewhere refugees face relocation plans and ongoing hardship.

Digital Identity Exports: Ethiopia is pushing digital public infrastructure beyond its borders, with its new identity company Faydaverse positioned as a commercial playbook for other Global South countries. Sports for Youth in Burundi: German defender Thilo Kehrer’s foundation in Gitega is expanding access for Burundian children through libraries, dance, cooking, and drum culture alongside football. Kenya Trader Rules, Not a Blanket Ban: Kenya’s Musalia Mudavadi says Ruto’s small-scale trade directive is regulatory—foreigners can keep trading if they regularise immigration status, register businesses, and meet licensing and tax rules, aiming to protect livelihoods and fair competition. Burundians Caught in the Crossfire: Burundians in Kenya have been rushing to the embassy for documents amid deportation fears, while rights groups warn of intimidation and xenophobia. Family Separation Case: A South African mother says her 14-year-old son was allegedly taken to Burundi in 2022 and is believed to be in Rumonge, appealing for official help to bring him home. Refugee Relocation in South Africa: Durban’s Che Guevara Road and Moore Road camps are set for relocation to Lindela after verification, with officials citing poor conditions for women and children. BRICS Cultural Diplomacy: New Delhi is preparing a “cultural red carpet” for BRICS spouses, with tight security and museum/crafts stops—Burundi’s president’s spouse included.

Foreign Traders Crackdown Fallout: Burundians in Kenya are living with fear after President William Ruto’s order against foreign small-scale vending sparked panic, embassy queues, and reports of harassment—though Kenya later shifted to a 90-day regularisation grace period and said it’s not a blanket ban. Diplomacy & Rights: The African Union dismissed a senior Burundian diplomat after he criticised the targeting of Burundian traders, while civil society groups and lawyers warn the approach could fuel xenophobia and violate rights. Legal Pushback: A Kenyan man was charged over alleged hate speech targeting Burundians, showing how quickly rhetoric is turning into court cases. Regional Integration Tension: Opposition leader Kalonzo Musyoka urged dignity for Burundians as EAC free movement faces a new test. Burundi Refugee Pressure at Home: In Gitega, Congolese refugees were forced out of the city after document checks, with ONPRA arranging returns to camps. Culture & Lifestyle Lens: The wider debate is also reshaping everyday urban life—vendors, families, and school routines are being disrupted across the region.

Immigration & Daily Life: Kenya has shifted its crackdown on foreign small-scale traders from a short ultimatum to a 90-day grace period, urging Burundians and other EAC nationals to regularise documents and permits instead of shutting down overnight—amid fears of xenophobia and reports of harassment. Rights & Accountability: Civil society and rights groups warn the policy could fuel nationality-based discrimination, while Kenya’s authorities say they will protect documented foreigners and those in registration. Legal Fallout: A Nairobi court charged a man over alleged hate speech targeting Burundian nationals, with the case set for mention later in October. Regional Coordination: Kenya says it is forming a joint task team with Burundi to manage emerging issues and ensure any return process is voluntary, transparent, and dignified. Burundi in the Spotlight: UDA and Burundi’s CNDD-FDD ruling parties met in Nairobi to discuss cooperation and party-building as Burundians’ status in Kenya remains a live issue. Culture & Community: In the wider region, refugee pressures continue—from Congolese refugees being pushed out of parts of Gitega to street-life tensions in Durban—showing how displacement reshapes everyday culture and schooling.

Foreign Traders Crackdown Fallout: Kenya’s crackdown on foreign small-scale traders has triggered panic among Burundians, with hundreds seeking emergency travel documents at the embassy in Nairobi as officials warn visa-free entry doesn’t equal the right to work. Rights & Safety Pushback: Authorities say they’re extending a 90-day window to regularise status and forming a joint task team with Burundi and international agencies to handle returns “voluntarily, transparently and with dignity,” while local officials also order residents not to harass documented foreigners. Legal Action Over Hate Speech: A man linked to alleged incitement against Burundians in a Jacaranda Grounds gathering was charged with hate speech/ethnic contempt and released on bail as the case heads to court. Regional Ripple Effects: Tanzania arrested 134 Burundians in a Mara operation, and Burundi’s ruling CNDD-FDD met Kenya’s UDA to discuss cooperation amid the crackdown. Culture & Community Impact: Refugees and schoolchildren are among those disrupted, including Congolese refugees forced out of Gitega after document checks. Sports Note: Selebwa named Kenya’s Rising Stars squad for CECAFA U-20 qualifiers, blending school and club talent.

Refugees & Displacement: Kenya’s refugee and asylum-seeker population hit a record 857,065 in June 2026, with Eritreans and Burundians among the fastest-growing groups—amid fears and uncertainty as many Burundians seek documents to leave after crackdowns on foreign small traders. Immigration Crackdown Fallout: Kenya’s government has shifted to an “orderly regularisation” approach, giving foreigners 90 days to update work permits and business licences, after panic and embassy queues; still, rights groups warn the enforcement risks feeding xenophobia. Hate Speech Case: A man in Nairobi was charged over alleged inflammatory remarks targeting Burundian nationals, with prosecutors citing ethnic contempt and hate speech—court hearing set for late October. Regional Politics: Burundi’s ruling CNDD-FDD and Kenya’s UDA agreed to deepen cooperation and share party-building experience, while also discussing the status of Burundians in Kenya. Cross-Border Enforcement: Tanzania arrested 134 Burundians in Mara for unlawful entry/stay, showing how the region’s immigration clampdowns are rippling across borders. Culture & Identity Lens: A feature revisits the history behind the Hutu–Tutsi divide, tracing how colonial-era classifications hardened identities and shaped conflict dynamics in the Great Lakes. Health Milestone: Uganda closed a variant polio outbreak after WHO confirmation—progress that also matters for Burundi and the region’s public health vigilance.

Immigration & Work Rights: Kenya has shifted from a sudden crackdown to a 90-day regularisation window for foreigners running small businesses, including Burundians, after panic and embassy queues in Nairobi. Rule of Law vs Xenophobia: Rights groups and lawyers warn enforcement must follow due process and avoid nationality-based harassment, stressing that immigration checks are not a licence for collective punishment. Local Impact on Burundian Families: Burundians sought emergency travel documents and some considered leaving despite assurances, while Burundi’s embassy reportedly issued laissez-passer documents to help citizens return home safely. Legal Action & Hate Speech: In Nairobi, a 32-year-old man was arrested over alleged remarks inciting ethnic hatred against Burundians, with possible hate-speech charges. Regional Diplomacy: Uganda opened talks with Kenya about Ugandan traders whose permit and licence applications are still pending. Culture & Community Response: Burundian musician Kidum offered transport to help people return home amid the uncertainty. Lifestyle Note: Kenya’s milk shortage is worsening, with Nairobi supermarkets rationing purchases as drought hits dairy supply.

Kenya Immigration Crackdown on Foreign Traders: Kenya has given foreign business owners a 90-day window to regularise work permits, business licences and immigration status after President William Ruto’s remarks sparked panic among immigrant communities, with many Burundians rushing to Nairobi for travel documents and some considering leaving. Rights Watch: The East Africa Law Society and KNCHR warn that enforcement must follow due process and avoid harassment or nationality-based discrimination. Court Action Over Hate Speech: In Nairobi, a 32-year-old man was arrested by DCI over alleged remarks inciting ethnic hatred against Burundians, with charges expected under hate-speech laws. Burundi Refugee Update: In Gitega, police arrested Congolese refugees during document checks, raising fears as some say urban residence authorisations are no longer issued. Regional Mourning: Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s husband, Hafidh Ameir Hassan, died in Zanzibar; Burundi’s president sent condolences. Culture & Community Support: Burundian musician Kidum offered transport help to Burundians in Kenya who want to return home amid the trader crackdown.

Regional Mobility & Work Permits: Kenya is tightening rules for foreign nationals after President William Ruto’s Sept 2 directive on hawkers and small traders, with enforcement starting Sept 7—visa-free entry and eTA exemptions do not grant the right to work or run businesses. Burundi–Kenya Tensions: Burundians in Nairobi rushed to embassies and bus stations for travel documents amid fears of crackdown; some reported threats and even looting of a trader’s shop. Registration Window: Kenya says undocumented East Africans, especially Burundians, can register via their embassies for temporary legal protection while cases are processed, and officials warn against harassment or xenophobia. Zambia Deportations: Zambia removed 59 foreign nationals in separate operations, including 28 Burundians. Public Health & Rumours: Africa CDC highlights how managing rumours is key in stopping disease outbreaks, after “genital theft” misinformation sparked deadly violence in parts of East Africa. Environment & Energy: A solar cooker project in Burundi aims to cut deforestation by replacing firewood and charcoal with solar cooking. Tanzania Mourning: Burundi joined regional leaders in condoling Tanzania after the death of President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s husband, Hafidh Ameir Hassan.

Immigration & Borders: Kenya’s crackdown on foreign small traders is pushing Burundians to scramble for travel documents in Nairobi, with hundreds queuing at the Burundian Embassy and others heading to bus stations for Uganda as enforcement fears rise. Policy & Rights: Kenya says visa-free entry doesn’t grant work rights, and it has opened a registration window for undocumented East Africans—promising temporary legal protection while cases are processed—while warning against harassment and xenophobia. Human Impact: One Burundian trader reportedly broke down after his shop was looted during the crackdown, highlighting the stress on families trying to survive across borders. Regional Solidarity: Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye joined other leaders in sending condolences to Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan after the death of her husband, Hafidh Ameir Hassan, in Zanzibar. Culture & Lifestyle (Energy): A Spain-backed project is promoting solar cookers in Burundi to cut reliance on firewood and charcoal, aiming to protect forests while improving everyday household cooking.

Work & Migration Rules: Kenya’s Trade CS Lee Kinyanjui says visa-free entry doesn’t grant foreigners the right to work or run businesses, warning of enforcement against people misusing tourist/investor status—especially in retail and small trade. Burundi in the Region: Tanzania arrested 28 people from Burundi and DR Congo during a Sep 3 crackdown, with cases tied to entering without valid permits. Refugee Life & Access to Services: In Burundi’s Musasa camp, families fear delayed school kits as costs rise and aid is reduced; in Cibitoke, asylum seekers at Cichemere can wait up to 10 hours for a jerrycan, with hygiene fears growing. Security & Allegations: SOS Médias Burundi reports two FDNB officers arrested in Fizi after an M23-attributed drone strike on Hotel Mwalu, amid claims of leaked intelligence. Environment & Everyday Energy: Spain’s training project is promoting solar cookers in Burundi to cut reliance on firewood and charcoal, aiming to slow deforestation. Culture & Community Safety: A BBC report highlights deadly “genital theft” rumours across parts of Africa, showing how misinformation can trigger mob violence.

Solar Energy & Forests: Spain’s CIFP León is helping Burundi households cut deforestation by building solar cookers under the V2SDF project, offering a practical alternative to firewood and charcoal. Refugee Life & Education: In Musasa camp, families fear delayed school kits as humanitarian aid shrinks and costs rise, forcing parents to choose between food and basic supplies. Water Access for Asylum Seekers: At Cichemere in Cibitoke, thousands of Congolese asylum seekers wait up to 10 hours for a jerrycan as water shortages worsen hygiene and raise disease fears. Security & Justice Questions: SOS Médias Burundi reports two soldiers presented by Burundi authorities over alleged links to journalist Bob Rugurika, with details of arrest and accusations still raising concerns. Regional Tensions: Burundi-Rwanda tensions flare again as Burundian police accuse Rwandan soldiers of an incursion on Lake Cohoha. Humanitarian Strain in the Region: Tanzania arrests 28 migrants from Burundi and DR Congo during a Sep 3 crackdown, sending them to court over entry without permits. Conflict Fallout in Eastern DRC: In Fizi, two FDNB officers are arrested after an M23-attributed drone strike on Hotel Mwalu, suspected of leaking intelligence.

Burundi–DRC Border Tensions: SOS Médias Burundi reports Congolese asylum seekers in Cibitoke’s Cichemere transit center are waiting up to 10 hours for a jerrycan as water shortages worsen, raising fears of disease. Refugee School Strain: In Musasa camp, parents say reduced aid and higher living costs are delaying school kits, forcing families to choose between food and basic supplies ahead of the Sept. 7 school start. Security & Allegations in Burundi: SOS Médias Burundi says two soldiers were presented by Burundi’s security ministry over alleged links to journalist Bob Rugurika in a suspected recruitment plot, with questions raised about arrest circumstances and accusations. Regional Migration Backlash: In Tanzania, 28 migrants from Burundi and the DRC were arrested in Kigoma during a Sep 3 crackdown; in South Africa’s Durban, “March and March” clashes with refugees on Che Guevara Road left injuries and saw police use tear gas and rubber bullets. Diplomacy & Culture Ties: Oman and Rwanda reaffirmed cooperation ahead of President Paul Kagame’s planned visit, citing shared East Africa cultural and humanitarian links. International Spotlight: Türkiye appointed a new ambassador to Burundi, while global coverage also highlights the UN race for secretary-general with two women leading.