Burundi

In Burundi, communities continue to live with the effects of recurring cycles of violence, political tension, and intergenerational divides. Through The Peace Project, communities and local actors work together to rebuild trust, strengthen relationships, and contribute to more inclusive conditions for sustainable peace.

Context

In many parts of Burundi, erosion of social cohesion across communities and generations has reduced resilience in the face of conflict and violence. Persistent grievances, mistrust between identity groups, and the lingering impacts of past conflict continue to shape daily life, particularly for young people. 

 

Many communities lack safe spaces for dialogue and reconciliation, while exclusionary security approaches can deepen divisions rather than address underlying concerns. At the same time, religious actors, youth, women, and local peacebuilders play an important role in restoring trust and supporting peaceful coexistence. 

What We Do
in Burundi

Addressing divisive narratives. Experiences of violence, exclusion, and injustice continue to influence how people understand themselves and others. The Peace Project supports communities in engaging with divisive narratives and perceptions that can undermine trust and social cohesion.

This includes:

  • organising dialogues that address grievances through locally rooted transitional justice approaches 
  • creating spaces for reconciliation and strengthening community resilience 
  • providing dedicated spaces for youth and women to reflect, question, and share experiences 

These processes support communities in moving away from stigmatisation and towards renewed trust. 

Strengthening relationships across groups. Limited interaction between groups can reinforce prejudice and hinder cooperation. The Peace Project focuses on strengthening relationships between religious, ethnic, and generational groups through dialogue and practical engagement. 

In Burundi, this includes: 

  • supporting community dialogues that bring together youth, women, and religious actors 
  • facilitating practical cooperation initiatives that encourage interaction across divides 
  • creating local safe spaces where different actors can connect, understand one another, and collaborate 

These activities help shift perceptions, reduce prejudice, and strengthen social cohesion at community level. 

Creating inclusive and supportive environments. Exclusive decision-making and security practices can widen divisions within communities affected by conflict. The Peace Project works with communities and local actors to promote more inclusive and responsive approaches to governance and security.

To create inclusive and supportive envirnonment, The Peace Project:

  • advocating for inclusive and equitable policies 
  • supporting the meaningful participation of different groups, particularly youth and women, in governance and security-related processes 
  • engaging with authorities to promote human-centred security practices 
  • strengthening collaboration and trust between state actors and communities 

These efforts contribute to safer, more inclusive governance and a stronger social fabric. 

Local Partners

The Peace Project works with locally rooted partner organisations in Burundi that have a strong understanding of community dynamics and priorities. These include Association des Femmes Rapatriées du Burundi (AFRABU), Commission Episcopale Justice et Paix Burundi (CEJP Burundi), Cord Burundi, Trauma Healing and Reconciliation Services (THARS), and Yaga Burundi.