AGP Executive Report

Sports & Integration: PM Mwigulu Nchemba says school sports can unite East Africa and shape future leaders, as Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi send 6,000+ students to the FEASSA Games running until Sunday. Culture & Faith: Burundian Catholic leaders are expanding trauma-healing programs to help communities rebuild after decades of ethnic conflict, with churches integrating the approach into formation and pastoral work. Public Safety in Bujumbura: Burundi National Police report three bodies found on Mwezi Gisabo Boulevard and more than 800 arrests since early August, as they intensify operations in high-risk neighborhoods. Arts & Youth Creativity: Congolese singer-songwriter Freed Mushaga unveils “SAMANA,” a cross-cultural collaboration with Burundian spoken-word artist Joy Slam, blending folk, soul, and spoken word ahead of a wider project. Regional Memory & Justice: Marking 22 years since the Gatumba massacre, writers renew calls for justice—questioning the value of condemnation without accountability. Health & Access (Regional): Africa CDC warns Ebola in DR Congo is accelerating, with deaths surpassing 2,000 as response efforts struggle to keep up.

Bujumbura Security Update: SOS Médias Burundi reports three bodies found on Mwezi Gisabo Boulevard as Burundi National Police intensify operations, with over 800 arrests since early August—raising fresh concerns about crime in sensitive neighborhoods. Youth, Peace & Power: Burundi hosts the Fifth Continental Dialogue on Youth, Peace and Security and Women, Peace and Security, with discussions focused on whether the African Youth Charter’s promises are turning into real influence for young people. Identity & Inclusion: A report on birth registration and vital statistics highlights how digitizing civil registration can strengthen trusted digital public infrastructure—citing Burundi as a reason for optimism. Church & Community Care: A Burundian Catholic sister calls for stronger support for abandoned older people, framing care for the elderly as a duty for the whole society. Culture & Literature: Gaël Faye’s acclaimed novel “Petit Pays” continues to be taught and discussed across Francophone spaces, keeping Burundi’s war-era memories alive through literature.

Bujumbura Crime Crackdown: Burundi National Police reported three bodies found on Mwezi Gisabo Boulevard and said more than 800 arrests have been made since early August as patrols intensify in high-risk areas. Youth & Rights in Focus: Burundi’s youth and women, peace and security dialogue marks the 20-year African Youth Charter anniversary, pushing for real power for young people beyond speeches. Church-Led Care for Elders: A Burundian Catholic sister calls caring for abandoned older people a “duty for the whole society,” urging more support for institutions that provide healthcare, food, and dignity. Trauma Healing in Burundi: A church trauma-healing program is being integrated into pastoral work to help communities rebuild after decades of ethnic conflict, including the 1972–1987 and 1993–2005 periods. Digital Identity Watch: Burundi is cited as a reason for optimism in birth registration and digital public infrastructure, linking birth records to national ID systems to strengthen service access. Culture & Literature: Gaël Faye’s novel “Petit Pays” continues to be taught in French schools, keeping Burundi’s civil-war legacy alive through literature. Regional Tech for Health: EAC and Germany launched the second AI4EAC challenge, adding an Ebola response track aimed at training 20,000 East Africans.

Bujumbura Public Safety: Police in Bujumbura say three bodies were found on Mwezi Gisabo Boulevard and more than 800 people have been arrested since early August, as security sweeps target theft and people hiding in hard-to-reach areas. Youth & Rights in Focus: Burundi hosts the Fifth Continental Dialogue on Youth, Peace and Security and Women, Peace and Security, with leaders and young voices pushing for real participation in laws, budgets, and everyday governance—not just conferences. Church-Led Healing: Burundi Catholic clergy are expanding trauma-healing programs to help communities rebuild after decades of conflict, integrating heart-wound healing into pastoral work and seminary formation. Digital Identity for Families: A report highlights how birth registration and biometric binding can strengthen trusted digital public infrastructure, pointing to Burundi’s example as a reason for optimism. Elder Care Call: A Burundian Catholic sister urges stronger support for abandoned older people, stressing that caring for the elderly is a duty for the whole society. Regional Human Rights Leadership: Dr. Jim Chimezie Okolo has been confirmed as West Africa regional director for inter-governmental human rights work, pledging stronger justice and peacebuilding across borders.

Heritage & Transport: Tanzania’s DMG has completed the TSh 34 billion rehabilitation of Lake Tanganyika’s 111-year-old MV Liemba, launching the first phase of technical trials in Kigoma with plans to return the ship to regional service on September 1—renewing cultural links across Burundi, Zambia, and the DRC. Youth, Peace & Governance: Burundi is hosting the Fifth Continental Dialogue on Youth, Peace and Security and Women, Peace and Security, with renewed calls to turn the African Youth Charter’s promises into real power through laws, budgets, and genuine youth participation. Faith & Community Care: A Burundian Catholic Sister urges stronger support for abandoned older people, framing elder care as both a material and spiritual duty for the whole society. Digital Identity & Birth Registration: A new report highlights how digitizing birth registration and linking it to national ID systems can strengthen trusted public services—pointing to Burundi as a reason for optimism. Women & Food Systems: Coverage spotlights how women farmers’ land, finance, and decision-making rights are key to stabilizing food systems and building resilience. Health Crisis: Africa CDC warns Ebola in the DRC is expanding faster than response efforts, with deaths surpassing 2,000 and transmission spreading across more provinces.

Exclusive Breastfeeding Spotlight: Burundi’s breastfeeding success is being highlighted as a model for maternal and child health, with rates above 80% drawing WHO and UNICEF attention to what works beyond awareness campaigns—health systems, workplace protections, and public investment. Youth, Peace & Power: In Bujumbura, discussions around the 20-year African Youth Charter push for real youth participation—turning promises into laws, budgets, and decision-making power, not just conference attendance. Trauma Healing in Burundi’s Churches: Catholic trauma-healing programs are being integrated into pastoral work to help communities heal wounds from decades of conflict, including the 1972–1987 and 1993–2005 periods. Digital Identity Foundations: Birth registration and biometric binding are framed as key building blocks for trusted digital public infrastructure, with Burundi cited as a reason for optimism in civil registration modernization. Human Rights Leadership: Dr. Jim Chimezie Okolo’s confirmation as West Africa regional director for inter-governmental human rights work signals renewed focus on peace, justice, and governance across the region. Ebola Alarm in the Region: Africa CDC warns the DRC Ebola outbreak is accelerating fast, with deaths surpassing 2,000—raising pressure on preparedness and response capacity.

Digital Identity & Birth Registration: Burundi is cited as a hopeful example in efforts to digitize birth registration and link it to national ID systems, aiming for more trustworthy service delivery for children and families. Human Rights & Peacebuilding: Dr. Jim Chimezie Okolo has been confirmed as West African regional director for Inter-Governmental Affairs at IHRPS, pledging stronger human rights, justice, peace and governance across the region. Maternal Health & Culture of Care: Burundi’s exclusive breastfeeding success (over 80%) is being highlighted as a model for WHO/UNICEF, shifting focus toward health systems, workplace protections and public investment. Youth Power & Governance: Bujumbura hosted reflections on 20 years of the African Youth Charter, with young leaders pushing for real participation in laws, budgets and everyday decision-making. Faith & Community Healing: Catholic trauma-healing programs in Burundi are being integrated into church formation to help communities rebuild after decades of conflict. Ebola Alarm in the Region: Africa CDC warns the DRC Ebola outbreak is accelerating, with deaths surpassing 2,000 and response efforts struggling to keep up.

Youth & Governance in Bujumbura: Burundi is hosting the Fifth Continental Dialogue on Youth, Peace and Security and Women, Peace and Security, with young leaders pushing for the African Youth Charter’s promises to become real power through laws, budgets, and decision-making seats—not just conferences. Faith-led Care for Elders: A Burundian Catholic sister calls elderly support a “duty” for the whole society, urging more help for institutions and families caring for abandoned older people, with both material and spiritual support. Breastfeeding as a Burundi success story: Exclusive breastfeeding in Burundi is drawing global attention, with WHO and UNICEF pointing to stronger health systems, workplace protections, and public investment as what makes the difference. Culture Beyond Borders: Burundian drummers from Meheba refugee camp in Zambia return to the stage after years, performing in a Kaonde traditional ceremony and dedicating the recognition to Burundian refugees in exile. Local Safety Concerns in Gitega: In Gitega province, residents question deaths reported as suicide, citing possible foul play and land disputes, and are calling for thorough investigations. Regional Health Pressure: Africa CDC warns Ebola in DR Congo is rapidly expanding, with deaths surpassing 2,000—raising urgency for stronger public health response across the region.

Maternal Health Spotlight: Burundi’s exclusive breastfeeding rates are drawing global attention, with WHO and UNICEF pointing to stronger health systems, workplace protections, and public investment as what’s really driving results. Youth, Peace & Power: In Bujumbura, Burundi hosted the 20-year African Youth Charter conversation on whether youth promises are turning into real influence, budgets, and decision-making power. Church-Led Healing: A Burundi Catholic trauma-healing program is being integrated into church formation and pastoral work to help communities rebuild after decades of ethnic conflict and loss. Elder Care Call: A Burundian Catholic sister urges wider support for abandoned older people, stressing that caring for the elderly is a duty for the whole society. Culture in Exile: Burundian drummers from Meheba refugee camp returned to the stage in Zambia, performing during Kaonde ceremonies and dedicating the award to fellow Burundian refugees. Local Safety Concerns: Gitega province reports about ten deaths in ten days, with residents calling for thorough investigations amid disputes over causes. Regional Tech & Health: The EAC and Germany launched an AI innovation challenge with an Ebola-response track, aiming to train 20,000 young people and strengthen outbreak detection and preparedness. Ebola Alarm: Africa CDC warns the DRC Ebola outbreak is expanding faster than response efforts, with deaths surpassing 2,000.

Youth & Governance: Burundi’s youth leaders and partners marked 20 years of the African Youth Charter in Bujumbura, pushing for real power in laws, budgets, and decision-making—not just attendance at conferences. Maternal Health: Burundi’s exclusive breastfeeding success (over 80%) is being highlighted as a model for WHO/UNICEF, showing how health systems, workplace protections, and public investment can drive results. Culture Abroad: Burundian drummers from Meheba refugee camp in Zambia returned to the stage after nearly four years, performing Kaonde traditions and earning an award of distinction. Community & Identity: A B!LL!Now Now Youth Summit in Kampala drew 1,000+ delegates from across East Africa, pairing policy “Bold Asks” with cultural tours to strengthen identity and Agenda 2063 momentum. Digital Foundations: Birth registration is being promoted as a key layer of digital public infrastructure, with Rwanda cited for linking civil registration to national ID systems. Public Safety Concerns: Gitega reported around ten deaths in ten days, with residents calling for thorough investigations amid disputes over causes. Regional Tech & Health: The EAC and Germany launched an AI challenge for young innovators, including an Ebola response track aimed at strengthening detection and preparedness. Health Access for Migrants: A report shows how internal migrants across Africa struggle to get care when health records don’t follow them between countries.

Youth & Governance: In Bujumbura, Burundi hosts the 20-year African Youth Charter dialogue, with leaders and young delegates pushing for real power for youth—through laws, budgets, and decision-making seats, not just conferences. Maternal Health Spotlight: Burundi’s exclusive breastfeeding success (over 80%) is being held up by WHO and UNICEF as proof that strong health systems, workplace protections, and public investment can drive lasting change. Identity & Services: Birth registration is gaining momentum as a foundation for digital public infrastructure, with Rwanda cited for linking birth records to national ID to improve access and trust. Culture Beyond Borders: Burundian drummers from Meheba refugee camp in Zambia return to the stage after years of silence, winning recognition during a Kaonde traditional ceremony. Community Safety Concerns: In Gitega, residents question rising deaths after two more bodies were found in ten days, calling for thorough investigations. Regional Innovation: The EAC and Germany launch an AI4EAC challenge to train 20,000 East Africans, including an Ebola response track. Health & Mobility: Across Africa, migrants struggle to get continuous care because health records don’t follow them across borders.

Burundi Maternal Health Spotlight: Burundi’s exclusive breastfeeding success (over 80%, including 83.3% in a 2024 survey) is being highlighted by WHO and UNICEF as proof that strong health systems, workplace protections, and public investment can beat awareness-only campaigns. Youth, Culture & Policy in Motion: In Kampala, the B!LL!Now Now Youth Summit brought 1,000+ young people from 11 countries to push “Bold Asks” for Agenda 2063—funding, inclusion, and guaranteed seats—blending youth leadership with cultural identity. Regional Health Alarm (Ebola): The DRC’s Ebola outbreak has surpassed 2,000 deaths and 4,381 confirmed cases, with WHO expanding treatment capacity as the virus spreads fast. EAC Innovation for Health: The EAC is launching an AI innovation programme for 20,000+ young people to build tools for Ebola detection and response. Gitega Safety Concerns: In Gitega, around ten deaths in ten days have sparked calls for deeper investigations amid disputes over suspected suicides and possible foul play. Culture Abroad: Burundian drummers from Meheba refugee camp in Zambia returned to the stage after nearly four years, winning recognition during a Kaonde traditional ceremony.

Ebola Watch: The DRC’s Ebola crisis has surged past 2,000 deaths and 4,000+ confirmed cases, with WHO warning it’s the fastest-growing outbreak on record and pushing for rapid expansion of treatment capacity. Youth & Innovation: The East African Community is launching an AI and youth innovation programme in Arusha to help tackle ebola detection and response, as young people across the region also protest insecurity and job shortages. Burundi Spotlight—Breastfeeding: Burundi’s exclusive breastfeeding success (over 80%) is being highlighted as a model for maternal and child health investment, with WHO/UNICEF stressing workplace protections and stronger health systems. Culture in Exile: In Zambia’s Meheba refugee camp, Burundian drummers and dancers returned to public performance after nearly four years, winning praise and an award during a Kaonde ceremony. Local Safety Concerns: In Gitega, residents are raising alarm after multiple deaths in ten days, calling for thorough investigations amid disputes over suspected suicide. Regional Cooperation: Nigeria and Burundi reaffirm deeper military cooperation to counter terrorism, alongside broader regional security efforts.

Breastfeeding Spotlight: Burundi’s exclusive breastfeeding success (above 80%) is being highlighted as a model for Africa’s maternal and child health push, with WHO/UNICEF pointing to stronger health systems, workplace support, and public investment. Catholic Media & Faith: At the SIGNIS World Congress in Rwanda, Catholic communicators were urged to use digital platforms for cultural harmony, human dignity, truth, and environmental care—plus to amplify voices often ignored by algorithms. Youth & Culture in Action: A major youth summit in Kampala gathered 1,000+ delegates to push Agenda 2063 with “Bold Asks” like real funding, inclusion, and guaranteed seats, alongside cultural tours. Justice & Community Safety: In Gitega, authorities face calls for deeper investigation after multiple deaths in ten days, while Burundi also plans major court construction to bring justice closer to citizens. Child Protection: Burundi’s anti-trafficking watchdog warns summer holidays are a high-risk period for child recruitment and smuggling. Regional Mobility: Malawi updated visa rules for 160 countries, keeping visa-free/simplified entry for many while requiring advance visas for others including Burundi. Health Across Borders: A report shows how migrants across Africa struggle to continue care when medical records don’t follow them—turning treatment into “starting from scratch.” Culture Abroad: Burundian drummers from Meheba refugee camp in Zambia returned to the stage, winning recognition in a Kaonde traditional ceremony.

Breastfeeding Spotlight: Burundi’s exclusive breastfeeding rate is above 80%, with UNICEF citing 83.3% in the 2024 SMART survey—now WHO and UNICEF point to Burundi as proof that workplace protections, strong maternity services, and public investment can drive results. Youth & Culture in Action: In Kampala, the B!LL!Now Now Youth Summit brought 1,000+ delegates from across Africa to push Agenda 2063 with “Bold Asks” like strategic funding, real inclusion, and guaranteed seats, plus a cultural tour of Buganda sites. Burundian Drums Return: From Meheba refugee camp in Zambia, Burundian drummers and women dancers performed again after nearly four years of silence, winning recognition at a Kaonde traditional ceremony. Justice & Rights: Burundi warns of child trafficking during summer holidays, urging parents and communities to stay alert as networks recruit children for routes to Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya and beyond. Regional Security: Nigeria and Burundi reaffirm deeper military cooperation to strengthen training and counter terrorism. Digital Faith & Media: At the SIGNIS World Congress in Kigali, Pope Leo XIV urged Catholic communicators to use digital tools for human dignity, truth, and environmental care.

Maternal Health Spotlight: Burundi’s exclusive breastfeeding success is drawing global attention, with rates above 80% and UNICEF/WHO pushing a new investment case that focuses less on awareness and more on health systems, maternity services, and workplace support. Youth & Inclusion: In Kampala, the B!LL!Now Now Youth Summit brought together 1,000+ delegates from across East and Central Africa, including Burundi, to demand real policy change under Agenda 2063—funding, inclusion, and guaranteed seats. Culture Beyond Borders: In Zambia’s Meheba refugee camp, Burundian drummers returned to public performance after nearly four years, winning awards during a Kaonde traditional ceremony and reminding audiences of home through music. Justice & Institutions: Burundi plans a major judicial overhaul, investing 60.6 billion francs to build local and first-instance courts and prosecutor offices—aiming to bring justice closer, though observers warn infrastructure alone won’t fix deeper sector problems. Child Protection Alert: Burundi’s anti-trafficking watchdog warns that summer holidays raise the risk of child trafficking, with networks allegedly recruiting children and moving them to neighboring countries and beyond. Regional Security Cooperation: Nigeria’s army leadership reaffirmed deeper defence ties with Burundi, emphasizing training, personnel exchanges, and joint efforts against terrorism and violent extremism.