Legal framework on freedom of religion and actual application
The Constitution of Burundi of 2018 guarantees the right to freedom of expression, religion, thought, conscience, and opinion (Article 31), as well as the right to freedom of assembly and association, and the right to create organisations according to the law (Article 32). All Burundians are equal “in merit and in dignity,” with “the same rights and […] protection of the law,” and cannot be “excluded from the social, political, or economic life due to their race, language, religion, sex, or ethnic origin” (Article 13).
The legal framework of religious freedom is based on the same laws that govern non-profit associations (registration and operations), specifying that all religious groups must register with the Interior Ministry and submit their statutes with a list of names and personal information about the members of their governing body. Once they receive approval from the ministry, they are free to carry out their activities.
Burundi is predominantly Christian. There is a Muslim minority, mostly Sunnis, concentrated in urban areas.
Incidents and developments
In June 2021, the Muslim Community of Burundi (COMIBU) officially disowned one of its leading members for offensive remarks he made against the Minister of Interior, Gervais Ndirakobuca after the latter warned that the loud volume of summons to prayer disrupted neighbours’ sleep.
In May 2021, during Ramadan, Muslims called on the government to open the country’s borders because poverty and a lack of resources complicated its celebration. Eid El Fir, which marks the end of Ramadan, could not be celebrated in the province of Rumonge because of the shortages of some products.
In July 2021, the president reached out to the Muslim community and celebrated Eid al-Adha, which marks the completion of the hajj (annual pilgrimage to Makkah). He also referred to the community as a “symbol of fraternal cohabitation among the different religious confessions”. However, COVID-19 measures prevented proper celebrations as common prayers and meal sharing were not allowed.
Christians also faced COVID-19 measures during Christmas 2021 celebrations. Restrictions on Church attendance appeared to be discriminatory compared to other social activities.
During the period under review, the Catholic bishops of Burundi applauded the substantial progress made under President Evariste Ndayishimiye’s leadership and welcomed the government's action to improve socio-economic development and national reconciliation.
In March 2022, President Ndayishimiye visited Pope Francis in the Vatican. During talks with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State, discussions centred on the cordial ties between the Holy See and Burundi. The Catholic Church’s involvement and work in the country in areas of social life were praised.
In February 2022, the Holy Father accepted Archbishop Simon Ntamwana’s resignation as the metropolitan archbishop of Gitega. The Pope appointed Bishop Bonaventure Nahiamana of Rutana as successor.
In October 2022, the US Embassy issued a travel restriction advisory for Americans, indicating risks at the border region of Burundi with DR Congo and with Rwanda, which could be closed at any time due to the armed militias.
Prospects for freedom of religion
Freedom of religion is generally respected in Burundi. During the period under review, there was a rapprochement between the Catholic Church and the government led by President Evariste Ndayishimiye. One of the Church’s roles has been the promotion of reconciliation and peace among Burundians, but there is a growing threat of violence in the Great Lakes region, notably from neighbouring DR Congo and Rwanda. Prospects for religious freedom remain unchanged but external circumstances including potential conflict, risk affecting all human rights.
Burundi