AGP Executive Report

Regional Security & Diplomacy: Uganda says it will keep troops in Somalia under a bilateral arrangement even as uncertainty grows around the AU mission’s logistics and funding, with President Museveni framing the deployment as solidarity with Ethiopia. Humanitarian Pressure: Uganda’s relief minister urges refugees—including Burundians—to consider voluntary return as humanitarian funding declines while the refugee population in Uganda surges. Burundi Justice & Memory: A reflection marks the 22nd anniversary of the Gatumba massacre, questioning the value of condemnation without follow-through on justice. Digital Policy & Governance: Burundi is highlighted in discussions on foundational ID, biometrics, and birth registration as pillars for trusted digital public services. EAC Trade & Integration: Eight countries are set to take part in the EAC trade fair in Mwanza, with Burundi among the expected African exhibitors. Tech & Capacity Building: CEPI and partners examine policy reforms to strengthen Burundi’s tech sector, while EAC and Germany expand an AI challenge to spur youth innovation. Natural Capital Finance: AfDB’s African Development Fund approves $4.23m to integrate natural capital into development decisions across 13 countries including Burundi.

Regional Security: Ethiopia’s delegation is attending the 36th Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) policy organs meeting in Kampala, as member states including Burundi and Uganda discuss regional security priorities and the force’s readiness. Refugee Pressure: Uganda’s relief minister urged refugees to consider voluntary return to their home countries as humanitarian funding drops, noting Burundi registrations for voluntary repatriation. Digital Identity & Services: A focus on foundational ID and birth registration shows how biometrics and civil registration can strengthen trusted digital public infrastructure—highlighting Burundi’s optimism alongside Rwanda and Thailand case studies. Health Systems: A World Bank-backed training in Dar es Salaam is equipping frontline health workers across Eastern and Southern Africa, including Burundi, to spot chronic disease risks earlier by integrating NCD surveillance into field epidemiology. EAC Trade & Innovation: The EAC and Germany launched an AI challenge to scale skills and solutions across Partner States, while eight countries are set to take part in the EAC trade fair in Mwanza under a peace-and-security theme. Governance & Accountability: Burundi’s youth, peace and security dialogue marks 20 years of the African Youth Charter, pushing for real youth participation in laws, budgets, and institutions.

Refugee Pressure in East Africa: Uganda’s Relief Minister Sam Engola urged refugees to opt for voluntary return to their home countries as humanitarian funding drops, noting Uganda hosts over 2 million refugees while operating on less than half its required budget; Regional Security Talks: Ethiopia joined the 36th Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) policy organs meeting in Kampala, with member states including Burundi discussing governance, resource mobilization and operational readiness; Digital Identity & Trust: Burundi is cited as an example of optimism in building foundational ID and biometric systems linked to birth registration, aiming to strengthen trusted digital public infrastructure and reduce fraud; Tech Policy for Burundi & Cameroon: CEPI and the Free Tech Institute explored policy reforms to unlock innovation and digital transformation, pointing to gaps in infrastructure, financing and regulation; EAC Trade & AI Push: Burundi is set to participate in an EAC trade fair in Mwanza, while the EAC and Germany launched an AI innovation challenge to boost the regional digital economy; Burundi in Regional Youth Agenda: Burundi hosts high-level youth, peace and security dialogue tied to the 20-year African Youth Charter push for real participation in governance.

Human Rights & Regional Diplomacy: Dr. Jim Chimezie Okolo has been confirmed as West Africa’s regional director for Inter-Governmental Affairs at the International Human Rights Protection Service (IHRPS), pledging to strengthen human rights, justice, peace, and good governance across the region. Digital Policy & Tech Skills: CEPI and the Free Tech Institute (with partners) are pushing for stronger digital policies and investment in infrastructure and skills to unlock innovation and jobs in Burundi and across Africa. EAC Trade & Regional Business: Eight countries are set to take part in the 21st EAC Trade Fair in Mwanza (Aug 28–Sep 6), with Burundi among the listed participants and a theme linking peace and security to trade and investment. Regional Security Coordination: Ethiopia is participating in the 36th Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) Policy Organs meeting in Kampala, alongside Burundi and others, as the bloc reviews security priorities and readiness. Refugee Pressure in the Region: Uganda’s relief minister urged refugees to consider voluntary return as humanitarian funding declines, noting thousands—including Burundians—have registered for repatriation. Burundi Youth & Governance: Burundi is hosting a high-level youth, peace and security dialogue marking 20 years of the African Youth Charter, focusing on turning youth commitments into real participation and influence.

EAC Trade & Investment: Tanzania’s chamber expects 8 countries—including Burundi, Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda—to take part in the 21st EAC Trade Fair in Mwanza (Aug 28–Sep 6), with 600+ exhibitors and a “Peace and Security as a Catalyst for Trade and Investment” theme. Regional Security (EASF): Ethiopia is participating in the 36th Eastern Africa Standby Force policy meeting in Kampala, with ministers and chiefs of defence reviewing security priorities, governance and readiness across member states including Burundi. EAC Digital & Public Health: The EAC and Germany launched an AI4EAC challenge in Arusha, with an Ebola Response track aimed at training 20,000 young innovators to build AI tools for detection and response. Burundi Youth & Governance: Burundi is hosting the 20-year African Youth Charter dialogue in Bujumbura, pushing for youth participation to move from promises to real influence in laws, budgets and institutions. Burundi-Linked Regional Mobility: Kenya and Tanzania renewed efforts to link their rail projects to landlocked neighbours, including Burundi, as funding diversification pressures grow. Human Rights Lens: A new analysis argues Africa’s economic rights gap—food, housing, health and schooling—shows how human rights commitments often fail in daily life.

Regional Security & Diplomacy: Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni told an AU troop summit that its long Somalia deployment was driven by solidarity with Ethiopia, not direct interests in Somalia, as funding worries threaten AUSSOM’s future. Humanitarian Pressure: Uganda’s Office of the Prime urged refugees to return home as humanitarian support declines, citing voluntary repatriation of thousands to Burundi. Ebola Alert: The DRC Ebola outbreak has surpassed 2,000 deaths with cases accelerating fast, prompting WHO to expand treatment capacity and calls for urgent scale-up. EAC Tech & Health: The EAC and Germany launched an AI innovation challenge to train young people to build tools for Ebola detection, preparedness and response. Burundi in the Spotlight: Burundi is named among countries facing rising crime concerns in Gitega, while regional reporting also flags Burundi’s role in AU-linked diplomacy. Governance & Identity: Birth registration is being pushed as a foundation for digital public infrastructure, with Rwanda cited for integrating civil registration into national ID systems.

Burundi Security: Burundi’s FNL rebels have resurfaced with a fresh call for armed struggle against President Évariste Ndayishimiye, after new social-media videos allegedly showed FNL commander Maj Gen. Aloys Nzabampema and fighters in eastern DRC; the group’s statement urges fighters and youth to unite and remove the government, though the videos’ authenticity and location weren’t independently verified. Youth, Peace & Governance: The AU Continental Dialogue on Youth, Peace and Security and Women, Peace and Security opened in Bujumbura, with President Ndayishimiye stressing water management as key to lasting peace and calling for youth and women’s real participation in conflict prevention and resource governance. Regional Connectivity: Kenya and Tanzania renewed efforts to link their standard gauge railways with land-locked neighbours Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi, aiming to diversify funding and speed up cross-border trade. Digital Identity Push: Civil registration and birth registration are being promoted as foundational digital public infrastructure, with Rwanda highlighted for integrating birth registration into national ID systems to improve service access. Ebola Alert (DRC): The DRC Ebola outbreak has surpassed 2,000 deaths as cases surge, prompting WHO to expand treatment capacity.

Burundi Security & Politics: Burundi’s FNL rebels have reactivated and called for armed struggle to oust President Évariste Ndayishimiye, with social-media videos attributed to Maj. Gen. Aloys Nzabampema circulating alongside a new statement. Regional Diplomacy: The AU opened a youth, peace and security dialogue in Bujumbura, stressing water management and inclusive leadership as tools for conflict prevention. Local Governance & Public Life: CRDB Bank Burundi’s annual marathon in Bujumbura raised support for clean, safe water, with the First Lady backing the sport-for-social-impact push. International Mobility: The US consolidated routine visa services across Africa, with Bujumbura among cities losing routine processing and applicants redirected to regional hubs. Health & Development: Burundi is highlighted as a global breastfeeding success story, with WHO/UNICEF pointing to stronger health systems and workplace protections as key drivers. Crime & Safety in Gitega: A Gitega crime report flags ten deaths in ten days, raising concern over rising local insecurity.

Burundi Security & Politics: Burundi’s FNL rebels have resurfaced with a call for armed struggle against President Évariste Ndayishimiye, circulating new videos of Maj. Gen. Aloys Nzabampema and a statement urging fighters and youth to unite and use force. Crime & Public Safety: In Gitega, authorities and residents are increasingly worried about rising crime, with reports of ten deaths in ten days. Regional Health Crisis: The Ebola outbreak in DR Congo has surged past 2,000 deaths, with WHO warning of rapid spread and expanding treatment capacity. Regional Governance & Youth: The AU youth, peace and women dialogue opened in Bujumbura, pushing inclusive leadership and water management as key to conflict prevention. Development & Social Policy: Burundi is highlighted as a global breastfeeding success story, with WHO/UNICEF pointing to stronger health systems and workplace protections. Local Civic Life: CRDB Bank Burundi’s annual marathon in Bujumbura raised support for clean and safe water, featuring the First Lady’s participation. International Watch: Russia signals deeper cooperation with Burundi and the region, focusing on energy, trade, security and investment.

Visa-Free Push: Chad and the Republic of the Congo will drop entry visas for all African nationals from Jan 1, 2027, starting with Nigerians, as part of a broader free-movement and trade push. Public Health Crisis: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surged past 2,000 deaths and 4,381 confirmed cases, with WHO expanding treatment capacity in Lita to 80 beds. Youth & Peace Agenda: In Bujumbura, the AU youth, peace and women-peace dialogue urged stronger youth and women roles in conflict prevention, linking peace to water governance and inclusive leadership. Burundi Security & Politics: Burundi’s FNL rebels have resurfaced with calls for armed struggle against President Ndayishimiye, after new videos circulated online. Local Governance & Justice: In Gitega province, authorities report about ten deaths in ten days, while residents demand clearer investigations into suspicious deaths. Road Safety Update: Burundi’s PSR says biometric driver’s licenses will resume after a long shortage, warning against scams and favoritism. Regional Mobility & Health Systems: A report highlights how migrants across Africa struggle to access care when medical records don’t follow them across borders.

Visa Policy: Malawi kept visa-free or simplified entry for travellers from 160 countries, but requires advance visas or authorisation for 47 others—listing China, India, Iran, Morocco and Burundi in the stricter group, with $50 transit/single-entry fees and higher prices for frequent travellers. Youth & Women Peace Agenda: In Bujumbura, the AU dialogue on Youth, Peace and Security and Women, Peace and Security opened with a push for youth and women to lead conflict prevention, linking peace to fair water and resource governance. Water & Community Giving: CRDB Bank Burundi used its Bujumbura marathon to fund clean, safe water efforts, with the First Lady praising sport-for-social-responsibility initiatives. Regional Security & Refugees: Burundi-linked refugee return pressure grows in Uganda and Zambia as “voluntary return” meetings continue, with some repatriations reported but safety fears still raised. Road Safety Administration: Burundi’s Traffic and Road Safety Police resumed biometric driver’s licence production and distribution, warning applicants against scams and favoritism claims from the prior shortage. Gitega Crime Watch: Gitega province reported about ten deaths in ten days, with residents calling for deeper investigations into suspected suicides and possible foul play. Borders & Land: Authorities warned that erosion and riverbank activities could gradually shift Burundi’s natural borders along the Rusizi and Ruhwa rivers.

Local Security & Justice: Gitega province is on edge after about ten deaths in ten days, including reports of a man found hanged in Gasongati and another body discovered in Rukoba, with residents disputing official explanations and calling for independent investigations. Road Safety Administration: Burundi’s Traffic and Road Safety Police says biometric driver’s licenses will resume after a long shortage, with applicants told to wait for text messages to collect documents and warned against alleged favoritism and “expediting” scams. Border Management: Bujumbura province authorities warn that erosion and human activity along the Rusizi and Ruhwa rivers could gradually shift Burundi’s borders with Rwanda and the DRC, citing a border demarcation inspection. Refugees & Returns: In Uganda’s Nakivale and Zambia’s Meheba camps, meetings on “voluntary return” are drawing mixed reactions; some repatriations are underway, but fears of safety remain. Health Systems: A wider Africa story highlights how migrants struggle to get continuous care because health records don’t follow them across borders. Maternal Health Spotlight: Burundi’s exclusive breastfeeding success is being promoted as a test case for Africa’s maternal and child health investment.

Youth & Governance: Reach A Hand Africa’s B!LL!Now Now Youth Summit in Kampala pushed for “real change” on youth inclusion, calling out symbolic participation and demanding structural economic and civic access aligned with AU Agenda 2063. Maternal Health Spotlight: Burundi’s exclusive breastfeeding success (rates above 80%) is being used by WHO/UNICEF as a test case for how health systems, workplace protections, and public investment can drive outcomes. Regional Security & Somalia: Ethiopian AU troops withdrew from Burhakaba, handing over to Somalia’s national forces as AUSSOM faces a funding crunch and leaders discuss an earlier, orderly exit tied to political dialogue needs. Regional Peace Readiness: EASF verified UPDF readiness for Eastern Africa peace support operations, praising training and equipment for rapid deployment. Burundi Domestic Watch: Gitega province reported about ten deaths in ten days, with residents urging deeper investigations amid disputed explanations. Transport & Services: Burundi’s PSR says biometric driver’s licenses production and distribution will resume, while warning against favoritism and scams. Borders & Land: Authorities warn natural border shifts along the Rusizi and Ruhwa rivers could be worsened by farming and mining activities.

Regional Security: EASF says UPDF troops are mission-ready after verifying Uganda’s pledged capabilities for regional peace support operations at IPSO-TC in Singo. Burundi Governance & Public Services: PSR resumes production and distribution of biometric driver’s licenses after a long shortage, while warning against people demanding money to “expedite” applications. Local Safety & Justice: Gitega reports about ten deaths found or killed in ten days, with residents calling for deeper investigations amid disputed accounts. Borders & Territory: Bujumbura province warns that erosion and human activity along the Rusizi and Ruhwa rivers could gradually shift natural borders with Rwanda and the DRC. Refugees: Burundi refugees in Uganda and Zambia face renewed pressure around “voluntary return,” with some repatriations reported but safety fears remain. Regional Politics: Museveni renews calls for an EAC political confederation and deeper defense integration as leaders meet in Dar es Salaam. Health & Development: Africa CDC urges stronger international support as the DRC Ebola outbreak worsens, citing gaps in contact tracing. Aid & Environment: AfDB’s ADF approves a $4.23m grant to integrate natural capital into development financing across 13 African countries including Burundi.

Gitega Crime Watch: Gitega province recorded about ten deaths in ten days, with residents calling for deeper investigations after bodies were found in places like Gasongati village, where one case is disputed as “suicide” and linked by locals to possible land disputes. Road Safety & Services: Burundi’s Traffic and Road Safety Police says biometric driver’s licenses will resume production and distribution after more than two years of shortage, with SMS-based collection plans—while warning against favoritism and scam “expediting” demands. Border & Land Concerns: Authorities warn that natural border lines with Rwanda and the DRC may be shifting as riverbank erosion and human activity affect the Rusizi and Ruhwa river areas. Local Governance Tensions: In Muyinga, residents protest new contributions tied to building a Buhumuza provincial headquarters, arguing they already funded earlier provincial infrastructure. Regional Security Diplomacy: Nigeria and Burundi reaffirm deeper defense cooperation to counter terrorism and cross-border crime, including training and personnel exchanges. Refugee Pressure: Burundian refugees in Uganda and Zambia face renewed push for “voluntary return,” with fears of safety still driving mixed reactions.

Gitega Crime Watch: Gitega province is reeling after two more bodies were found on Aug 5, bringing deaths or discoveries in just ten days to around ten, with residents pushing for deeper investigations amid disputed claims including alleged suicide and possible land-related motives. Road Safety Admin: Burundi’s Traffic and Road Safety Police (PSR) says biometric driver’s licenses will resume after a long shortage, with applicants told to wait for text messages to collect documents—while warning against favoritism and “expediting” scams. Border Lines Under Pressure: Burundi authorities warn that riverbank erosion and human activity along the Rusizi and Ruhwa rivers could gradually shift natural borders with Rwanda and the DRC, after a border demarcation inspection. Justice and Due Process: In Rumonge, a family of a detained retired soldier says he is being held under a one-sided assault case, while he remains hospitalized under police guard. Regional Security: Nigeria and Burundi leaders reaffirm deeper military cooperation to counter terrorism and cross-border crime, including training and personnel exchanges. DRC Conflict Narrative: A new analysis argues the eastern DRC war is driven more by unresolved political grievances than just minerals, urging a “rewritten story” beyond simplistic explanations.