By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on RFI
Burundian journalist Jean Bigirimana, a member of the independent Iwacu media outlet, disappeared on 22 July 2016 while he was in the field. Ten years later, he has still not been found. Reporters Without Borders has denounced the continuing impunity and called on the Burundian authorities to establish the circumstances of his disappearance.
Jean-Jacques Nyenimigabo, Burundi’s former Minister of Sports and Culture and a close adviser to Pierre Nkurunziza, died on 29 September 2026 after a long illness. A former teacher and political figure profiled by the newspaper Iwacu in 2010, he held several roles under the former president, according to Iwacu Burundi.
🇧🇮 Burundi · Source: Iwacu Burundi ·
Economist Jean Ndenzako says local processing of Burundian raw materials is possible at some stages, but constrained by a lack of reliable energy, the country’s landlocked position and the small market. He notes that raw materials account for 89.5% of merchandise exports and mining represented 3.8% of GDP in 2025, according to UNCTAD and World Bank data cited in Iwacu’s interview.
🇧🇮 Burundi · Source: Iwacu Burundi ·
In Gitega, the price per kilogram of meat quickly returned to its record level after an agreement between the municipal administration and butchers aimed at bringing it down. Low-income households blame traders, while butchers cite market volatility, Iwacu Burundi reports.
🇧🇮 Burundi · Source: Iwacu Burundi ·
Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye launched the implementation of the National Strategy to Combat Corruption and Economic Misconduct for 2026-2030 on 9 October. The programme provides for prevention, checks, citizen mobilisation and the fight against impunity, reports Iwacu Burundi.
🇧🇮 Burundi · Source: Iwacu Burundi ·
Burundi allows fertiliser imports amid shortagesBurundi’s Agriculture Ministry is allowing large-scale farmers and cooperative members to apply for permits to import chemical fertilisers amid persistent shortages. The measure comes as the sole local producer, FOMI, struggles to meet demand because of difficulties obtaining foreign currency, according to the ministry and the company.
Madagascar: Randrianirina demands public anti-corruption plansMadagascar’s President Michaël Randrianirina has asked his ministers to present their anti-corruption strategies publicly. The request comes amid a scandal involving 11 Chinese detainees who allegedly left prison illegally, RFI reports.The week in Africa
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