Politics

Burundi is among 17 African countries that committed Wednesday to concrete reforms aimed at boosting electricity access under Mission 300, a global initiative led by the World Bank Group and the African Development Bank Group that seeks to connect 300 million Africans to power by 2030. The announcement was made in New York during...

BISSAU — Burundi President Évariste Ndayishimiye’s state visit to Guinea-Bissau has deepened relations between the two nations, culminating in a visa exemption agreement for all passports, a framework cooperation pact, and an accord on political consultations. The agreements, announced this week by the Burundian presidency, follow Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embaló’s visit to Bujumbura...

Geneva, Sept. 3, 2025 The United Nations Human Rights Council has adopted a landmark resolution on the safety of journalists, laying out a detailed roadmap that urges governments to reform restrictive laws, protect reporters from both physical and digital threats, and end the culture of impunity that fuels attacks on the press. Backed by...

Arusha, Tanzania Ministers and senior officials from across the East African Community (EAC) are meeting in Arusha this week to shape the bloc’s next development strategy, review its long-term vision, and address persistent barriers to trade. The 35th Meeting of the Sectoral Council of Ministers Responsible for EAC Affairs and Planning, alongside the...

Lusaka, Zambia — Eight member states of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) are expected to record sharp declines in trade volumes this year following new reciprocal tariffs imposed by the United States, the regional bloc said Friday. The countries most affected include the Democratic Republic of Congo (11% decline), Libya...

Burundians went to the polls Monday to elect local administrators, with the country’s electoral commission reporting that voting materials were in place nationwide and polling stations opened as scheduled. Prosper Ntahorwamiye, president of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), said turnout at 6 a.m. was lower than in previous elections but expected participation to...

Burundi president Evariste Ndayishimiye recently made a cabinet reshuffle, appointed new government including Arthémon Katihabwa the country's minister of justice and Human Rights. He spoke to Burundi Times about his life, journey and vision to serve justice in Burundi. Q: Minister, could you start by introducing yourself to our readers?I am Katihabwa Arthemon,...

Armed groups fighting in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have carried out horrific abuses against civilians, including gang rapes, abductions and summary executions, Amnesty International said Wednesday in a new report that warns the atrocities may amount to war crimes. The London-based rights group said both the Rwanda-backed March 23 Movement (M23) and...

Bujumbura, Burundi — Burundi’s president Evariste Ndayishimiye, recently welcomed a high-level delegation from the Al Mansour Holding Group in Bujumbura. The delegation, led by His Highness Prince Sheikh Mansour Bin Jabor Bin Jassim Al Thani, arrived to convey Qatar’s continued commitment to investing in Burundi, a country increasingly seen with economic opportunities. The Al Mansour...

NAIROBI, Kenya — East and Southern African leaders have endorsed a plan to merge regional mediation efforts under the African Union while pledging to align them with recent global peace initiatives, in a push to end the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Meeting virtually on Aug. 13, the Joint Extraordinary Summit...