For several decades, Burundi has been striving to rebuild a peaceful society after repeated cycles of crises and violence that have deeply affected its population. While the visible wounds have gradually healed, the invisible ones — psychological, emotional, and social — have continued to weaken national cohesion and hinder efforts toward peace and development.

This orientation note seeks to strengthen understanding of the link between trauma healing, social cohesion, and development, and to encourage the adoption of an integrated approach to mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) within national policies and programmes.

It draws on the lessons learned from the Synergies for Peace project, implemented by Interpeace and its national partners — CENAP, BLTP, ICB, Yaga, and Jimbere Magazine — with the support of the Governments of the Netherlands and Switzerland.

The programme, carried out between 2019 and 2025, aimed to contribute to reconciliation and to a more inclusive and accountable governance capable of responding to Burundi’s peacebuilding and development priorities.

Its approach was based on three complementary pillars:

• Trauma healing and the promotion of community mental health.
• The strengthening of inclusive governance is sensitive to gender and youth issues.
• Citizen engagement for greater participation in political, social, and economic life.

Drawing on several years of field implementation, this note highlights the lessons learned, successes, and challenges related to integrating mental health and trauma healing approaches into peacebuilding efforts.

It concludes with practical recommendations addressed to the Government of Burundi and its technical and financial partners, with the aim of strengthening a collective, coherent, and sustainable response to the lasting impact of trauma on Burundian society.