Since gaining independence in 1962, the Burundian people have suffered various cycles of violence, characterized by the targeted massacre of civilians along ethnic lines. In 1993, revenge killings between the Hutu and Tutsi communities culminated in a civil war that lasted over a decade. Prospects for lasting peace rose with the Arusha Peace Accords (August 2020), which ended the civil war in 2005 and led to democratic elections. Sustained negotiations saw the last rebel group sign the Peace Accord in 2008. Subsequent elections in 2010 and 2015 were held in a dramatic atmosphere that included an attempted coup and demonstrations by the opposition.
However, the general elections held in May 2020 represented for many a new beginning for the Burundian political environment. Before his sudden death in June 2020, the outgoing President Nkurunziza decided to step down and did not present his candidature for a fourth mandate; the elections, although held in absence of international observers, were considered by international partners peaceful “enough”; the election of president Evariste Ndayishimiye, candidate of the Conseil National Pour la Défense de la Démocratie–Forces pour la Défense de la Démocratie (CNDD–FDD), was welcomed by international partners and the president’s initial public speeches focusing on his vision of a new Burundi, were considered a good first step towards turning the page of violence and instability. The work of the CVR also highlights the desire to strengthen transitional justice instruments and conduct a profound community work aiming at dealing with the past and supporting the Burundians in quest for a coherent and unified analysis of Burundian history.
Gender inequalities at socio-cultural and institutional levels remain a reality and little opportunities are left for women and young people to play an active role as actors of peace. Although some steps forward have been taken at institutional level with the establishment of quotas at the level of the national assembly and at local level, the political space remains under male control, with political debates dominated by issues imposed by men. This leaves very little space to women not only to play a public political role but also to make sure that specific issues, relevant for women, are taken up in the public debates. Despite all, there is room for dialogue and engaging the government to take part in fostering gender equality and improved inclusion of women and youth in local and national decision-making processes.
Interpeace has been active in Burundi since 2007. In line with Burundi's national development plan and national peace consolidation program, Interpeace's program aims to support Burundi’s sustainable and equitable development through entrenched peace and stability. It contributes to the advent of a united and prosperous Burundi by improving governance, consolidating democracy, supporting reconciliation and strengthening the population’s resilience, particularly for the most vulnerable.
Interpeace and its partners’ inclusive psychosocial support and reconciliation programming have gained public recognition and policy consideration for their positive impact on trauma healing. This has led to advocacy with the Burundian government and the National Assembly to establish a national framework for trauma healing.
Interpeace’s other programming seeks to strengthen democratic governance and civic participation. In particular, Interpeace empowers women to engage in politics at the local and national levels while working with men to understand gender dynamics and support women-led initiatives. Interpeace also works with young people from different political backgrounds to promote political and economic participation, engaging them in political training, debates, and local peacebuilding initiatives. Interpeace works with 54 local infrastructures for peace throughout the country to help resolve local issues, such as land disputes, and encourage joint problem-solving with decision-makers. In 2024, these groups addressed a total of 98 local conflicts.
In 2024, Interpeace and its partners reached 9,139 people, including 1,097 women and 868 youth, while supporting 38 activities with state actors on governance and justice issues, five with security actors, and 18 with income-generating activities.