Burundi

Country information

The Republic of Burundi lies in the Great Lakes region in Central Africa, bordering on Rwanda to the North, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to the West and Tanzania to the South and East. The majority of Burundi is hilly. The country has a tropical climate. Burundi is divided into 17 provinces. These are then divided into districts, communes, zones, sectors (secteurs), hills (collines/souscollines) and cels (cellules) of a number of households. This detailed division is a form of social and administrative structure that has existed for a long time in Burundi. Burundi is one of the most densely populated countries in Africa (311 persons per square kilometer). The country has an area of 27.830 square kilometers and almost 9 million inhabitants of whom 500.000 live in the capital Bujumbura. The population is made up of 85% Hutu, 14% Tutsi and 1% Batwa (also known as Twa, Bambuti or Pygmy). Approximately 70% of the population lives below the poverty line of US$ 1 dollar a day. Of those people aged 15 years and older approximately 40% are illiterate. People live to an average of 51. 94% of the population works in agriculture, 2% in industry and 4& in services.

Partner organization 

Ligue Iteka

On arrival in Burundi MBT provides reintegration support through its partner organization. Upon arrival the client receives a financial contribution. This sum is not given in cash but is spent under supervision of the partner organization on providing the means necessary for building a sustainable future in Burundi.

Ligue Iteka has a dedicated return and reintegration department. The organization offer returnees individualized economic and social support. This includes initial reception, support in establishing their own business and assistance in accessing education or vocational training. In addition returnees can be referred to a specialized health care organization for psychosocial aid, such as HealthNet TPO, with which Ligue Iteka has signed a cooperation agreement.  

Examples of return to Burundi

Jean

Jean (not his real name) arrived in the Netherlands from Burundi in 2005 where he lived in an AZC for 3 years. Shortly before his return he came to MBT for information on possible support in setting up a car tire business. He received a total of €1000,-from MBT. On his return Jean successfully set up a business trading in used car tires. He was able to get in touch with old friends who transported goods between Nairobi and Bujumbura. Trade went well and within a few months he was able to buy a small truck. Unfortunately the truck broke down and he became dependent on other transporters again. He now works as a supplier in material and household goods for a number of shops. He also runs a phone charging shop where for 300 FBU (0,17 euro cent) people can charge their phones. Although he doesn’t make much profit he earns sufficient money to live from. 

Gerard

Since his arrival in the Netherlands Gerard (not his real name) has invested a lot of time and energy in his ICT study. With a diploma and an impressive CV with a lot of work experience he returned to Burundi in March 2010. Although he would like to continue his studies this has not proved possible with his resources. He therefore decided to look for ICT work with an international organization. Our contact from Ligue Iteka offered to help him get in touch with a number of international organizations and universities to work in their ICT or helpdesk departments. They will also examine the possibilities of his working for one of the mobile phone providers. 

Contact

Santje Geuze, 030-7551580, s. geuze@maatwerkbijterugkeer.nl