AGP Executive Report

Living Heritage: Burundi’s royal drumming tradition faces pressure as Gishora’s masters train a new generation and seek better support for performers and protection for the trees used to make drums. About 40 children are learning the rhythms, history and responsibilities tied to the tradition. Refugee Conditions: More than 33,000 Congolese refugees in Busuma are bracing for heavy rain in worn tarpaulin shelters, with children and older people especially exposed to the cold and water damage. Rights and Safety: A new regional report co-authored by SOS-Torture Burundi warns that human rights defenders can face surveillance and intimidation even after fleeing across borders to seek safety.

Royal Drumming: At Gishora, young apprentices are learning Burundi’s royal drumming tradition, while masters call for better support for performers and protection of the trees used to make drums. Refugee Safety: More than 33,000 Congolese refugees in Busuma face worsening conditions as rain threatens their worn shelters. Defenders at Risk: A new East Africa report, co-produced by SOS-Torture Burundi, documents surveillance and intimidation of human rights defenders who flee across borders. Human Rights: Burundi was elected to the UN Human Rights Council for 2027–29; the country’s criminalization of same-sex relations remains a concern.

Living Heritage: At Gishora, young apprentices are learning Burundi’s royal drumming tradition, while experienced performers seek better support and protection for the trees used to make drums. Training passes on the rhythms as well as the history and responsibilities tied to the instrument. Rights & Safety: A new report co-authored by SOS-Torture Burundi warns that human rights defenders in East Africa can face surveillance and intimidation even after fleeing across borders. Refugee Life: More than 33,000 Congolese refugees in Busuma are bracing for heavy rains in worn shelters, with children and older people especially exposed.

African-led Dialogue: Burundi’s AU envoy Willy Nyamitwe joined diplomats calling for sustained talks, local ownership and reliable funding to address Africa’s conflicts. Living Heritage: At Gishora, experienced drummers are teaching children Burundi’s royal rhythms while seeking better support for performers and protection for the trees used to make drums. Refugee Life: More than 33,000 Congolese refugees in Busuma face the rainy season in worn, makeshift shelters that may not withstand heavy rain and wind. Food Security: Burundi is among the countries classed at alarming hunger levels in the 2026 Global Hunger Index. Travel: Burundians are among 20 African nationalities now eligible to apply online for Malaysia’s social visit eVisa.

African-Led Solutions: Burundi’s AU envoy Willy Nyamitwe called for sustained dialogue, local ownership and stronger financing to address Africa’s conflicts, speaking at the Pre-Tana Forum on October 18. Royal Drumming: At Gishora, young apprentices are learning Burundi’s royal drumming tradition, while performers seek better support and protection for the trees used to make drums. Refugee Conditions: More than 33,000 Congolese refugees in Busuma are bracing for heavy rains in worn, makeshift shelters that offer little protection. Food Security: Burundi is among the countries where hunger remains at alarming levels, according to the 2026 Global Hunger Index.

Refugee Conditions: More than 33,000 Congolese refugees in Burundi’s Busuma site face the rainy season in worn tarpaulin shelters, with families fearing flooding, wind damage and cold. Food Security: Burundi is among the countries provisionally ranked at an alarming level of hunger in the 2026 Global Hunger Index, underscoring the strain on households. Burundian Talent Abroad: Justin Sadi, a senior at West Aurora High School in Illinois, has become a team leader through soccer after moving from Burundi with his family seven years ago. Everyday Access: A new $1.4 billion electricity partnership aims to expand Burundi’s distribution network and raise access to power, with millions of people expected to benefit.

Public Safety: A former demobilized soldier was killed by a grenade at his home in Gitega, where police found a second grenade; local officials urged residents to surrender illegally held weapons. Refugee Conditions: More than 33,000 Congolese refugees in Busuma fear rain will destroy their worn shelters, leaving families and children exposed to cold and flooding. Electricity Access: Burundi signed a $1.4 billion, 25-year partnership to expand and upgrade its power network, with the project aiming to raise electrification and connect millions more people. Human Rights: Burundi won a seat on the UN Human Rights Council for 2027–2029, receiving 160 votes. Food Security: Burundi was provisionally placed in the Global Hunger Index’s alarming category, underscoring the strain on households.

Power Access: Burundi has signed a $1.4 billion, 25-year deal to expand and upgrade its electricity network. The project aims to raise electrification from about 12% to as high as 70%, with millions of households and businesses expected to gain access. Human Rights: Burundi won a seat on the UN Human Rights Council for 2027–2029, receiving 160 votes in the General Assembly election. Food Security: Burundi is among the countries placed in the Global Hunger Index’s “alarming” category, underscoring the strain on families’ access to food. Burundian Voices Abroad: Justin Sadi, a senior at an Illinois high school, has become a trusted soccer leader after moving from Burundi to the US with his family seven years ago. Regional Sport: Burundi’s beach volleyball team is preparing for the 2026 Zone V championship in Uganda after taking gold at the Bujumbura tour.

Burundian Abroad: Justin Sadi, who moved from Burundi to the US seven years ago, has become a vocal leader for his West Aurora high-school soccer team. He says the game helps him cope with life’s challenges. Human Rights: Burundi won a seat on the UN Human Rights Council for 2027–29, receiving 160 votes. Migration: Reports say 12 people deported from the US arrived in Burundi in August and are being held under intelligence supervision; the circumstances and safeguards remain unclear. Food Security: Burundi is among four countries tied at the bottom of the 2026 Global Hunger Index, with hunger rated alarming. Beach Volleyball: Burundi’s team heads to Uganda’s October 21–26 regional championship after taking gold at the Bujumbura tour.

Food Security: Burundi is tied for 122nd in the 2026 Global Hunger Index, with hunger provisionally rated alarming. Travel: Burundians are among citizens of 20 African countries now eligible to apply online for Malaysia’s social visit eVisa. Human Rights: Burundi was elected to the UN Human Rights Council for 2027–2029. Community Concerns: Authorities presented 13 people, mostly Banyamulenge refugees, accused of spying; relatives and congregants dispute the claims and say religious leaders are being targeted. Sport: Burundi’s beach volleyball team is preparing for the October 21–26 regional championship in Uganda after winning gold at the Bujumbura tour. Food Culture: A Burundian family in the United States shared a recipe for igisupu cy’intore n’umusoma, an eggplant and pumpkin-leaf stew.

Migration: Twelve people from Angola, Cameroon, Mauritania and Sudan were sent to Burundi from the United States in August, according to a Burundian security source and a lawyer. Sources say they are being held under intelligence supervision in Bujumbura. Travel: Burundi is among 20 African countries whose citizens can apply online for Malaysia’s social-visit eVisa for tourism and short stays. Human Rights: Burundi won a seat on the UN Human Rights Council for 2027–2029. Regional Sport: Uganda will host the CAVB Zone V Beach Volleyball Championship at Bunjako Beach on October 21–26; Burundi is among the 12 competing countries and won the gold at the Bujumbura tour. Community Concerns: Authorities presented 13 people, mostly Banyamulenge refugees, as alleged spies and urged residents not to rent homes to Banyamulenge. Relatives and church members dispute the accusations, which also involve several pastors. Food & Heritage: A Burundian father and daughter in Utah shared a recipe for igisupu cy’intore n’umusoma, an eggplant and pumpkin-leaf stew, through a program supporting local growers.

Migration: Twelve people from Angola, Cameroon, Mauritania and Sudan were sent to Burundi by the United States in August, a Burundian security source and government official confirmed to AFP. The sources said they are being held under intelligence supervision in Bujumbura, despite authorities previously saying the agreement had not yet been used. Regional Sport: Burundi’s beach volleyball team will compete at the CAVB Zone V championship in Uganda from October 21–26, after winning the Bujumbura leg. Human Rights: Burundi is among 15 countries elected to the UN Human Rights Council for 2027–2029, taking on a seat as scrutiny grows over rights protections. Community Concerns: Authorities presented 13 people, mostly Banyamulenge refugees and including pastors, as alleged spies; relatives and church members dispute the accusations. Officials also urged residents not to rent homes to Banyamulenge. Food & Culture: A community food feature highlighted Igisupu Cy’Intore N’Umusoma, a stew of eggplant and pumpkin leaves, as a taste of Burundian cooking.

Regional Health: The World Bank has announced $93 million to bolster Ebola response in Africa, including support for surveillance and care in the DRC and emergency preparedness across 11 countries. Burundi and the Banyamulenge: Authorities presented 13 people, mostly Banyamulenge refugees and including pastors, on allegations of espionage and ties to armed groups. Officials urged residents not to rent homes to Banyamulenge; relatives and church members dispute the accusations and say religious leaders are being targeted. Human Rights: Burundi is among 15 countries elected to the UN Human Rights Council for 2027–2029, taking on a seat as scrutiny of the council’s credibility continues. Food and Heritage: A Burundian family in the US shared a recipe for igisupu cy’intore n’umusoma, an eggplant and pumpkin-leaf stew, highlighting how traditional food travels with diaspora communities. Regional Links: Tanzania says its planned rail connection from Kigoma to Musongati could extend the Standard Gauge Railway into Burundi.

Global Rights Role: Burundi has been elected to the UN Human Rights Council for 2027–2029, alongside 14 other countries. Refugee Citizenship: Tanzania says more than 160,000 Burundians who fled there in 1972 have received citizenship; it plans to seek other solutions for those who remain. Ethnic and Religious Tensions: Burundian authorities presented 13 people, mostly Banyamulenge refugees and including pastors, accused of spying. Relatives dispute the claims, while a security spokesperson urged residents to monitor the community and stop renting homes to them. Deportation Concerns: Burundi is among the countries that have agreed to receive US deportees who are not their citizens. Human Rights Watch says such transfers risk exposing migrants to arbitrary detention and return to danger. Burundian Food Abroad: A Burundian father and daughter in Utah shared a recipe for igisupu cy’intore n’umusoma, an eggplant and pumpkin-leaf stew, through a local farm program.

Refugee Rights: Burundian authorities displayed 13 detainees, mostly Banyamulenge refugees, accusing them of spying and urging residents not to rent homes to Banyamulenge. Relatives and church members dispute the allegations and say religious leaders are being targeted. Burundian Refugees in Tanzania: Tanzania says more than 160,000 Burundians who fled in 1972 have received citizenship; others will need different long-term solutions. Officials called for more support for refugee healthcare, education and food. Food & Heritage: A Burundian father and daughter in Utah are growing local produce and sharing a traditional eggplant and pumpkin-leaf stew, bringing Burundian food culture to their community.

Ethnic and Religious Rights: Burundi authorities presented 13 people, mostly Banyamulenge refugees and including pastors, as alleged spies and urged residents not to rent homes to Banyamulenge. Relatives and congregants dispute the accusations and say their leaders are being targeted. Food and Heritage: At a community farm in Utah, Burundian farmer Bashire Nigaruga and his daughter Atosha are growing local produce and sharing a traditional eggplant and pumpkin-leaf stew. Travel and Education: Burundians are among 14 African nationalities facing partial US visa restrictions covering visitor, student and exchange visas, as well as immigrant visas.