Les Tambours du Burundi - Burundi Black

NYTimes.com - Burundians hope that recent developments may lead to peace in their country for the first time in 15 years.

Optreden van Burundi drummers in Wolfheze

Burundi grupo africano

August 2008 Burundi's President, Pierre Nkurunziza loves nothing more than taking to the soccer field. He uses these appearances, which inevitably draw large crowds, to push his message of peace and reconciliation. "We shouldn't hold back on attacking but we shouldn't hurt him," a coach tells his team who are about to play the Haleluya Football Club. The Halelyua team's star player and focus of the coach's remark is none other than Nkurunziza. Burundi's "Football President" believes that the great game can unite the tribal divisions that ravaged his nation. "Soccer in Burundi is very popular and when you come here you see all the people, even the old men, old women, come to watch. It is very important to unite the people." Until four years ago Nkurunziza was a rebel soldier waging a guerilla war against the Tutsi soldiers. In 2005 he was elected President under a deal to end the conflict between the Tutsi-dominated army and Hutu rebels. Finally a ceasefire seems to be holding. "We can publicly announce that we have ended the war. And the energy we were using to fight and to flee, will now be used to mend the hearts of the people of Burundi and to develop our country," exclaims Nkurunziza. The government has promised universal health care and free primary education. Yet in a nation where money is sparse, everyone is called in to help and the President is setting the example.

The Giant Crocodile of Burundi (Gustav)...

Burundi's first democratically elected president was assassinated in October 1993 after only 100 days in office, triggering widespread ethnic violence between Hutu and Tutsi factions. More than 200,000 Burundians perished during the conflict that spanned almost a dozen years. Hundreds of thousands of Burundians were internally displaced or became refugees in neighboring countries. An internationally brokered power-sharing agreement between the Tutsi-dominated government and the Hutu rebels in 2003 paved the way for a transition process that led to an integrated defense force, established a new constitution in 2005, and elected a majority Hutu government in 2005. The new government, led by President Pierre NKURUNZIZA, signed a South African brokered ceasefire with the country's last rebel group in September of 2006 but still faces many challenges. Capital: name: Bujumbura geographic coordinates: 3 22 S, 29 21 E time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time) Administrative divisions: 17 provinces; Bubanza, Bujumbura Mairie, Bujumbura Rurale, Bururi, Cankuzo, Cibitoke, Gitega, Karuzi, Kayanza, Kirundo, Makamba, Muramvya, Muyinga, Mwaro, Ngozi, Rutana, Ruyigi https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/by.html

November 2004 After decades of violence, Burundi is edging towards a lasting peace settlement. But the country still faces large problems.

Slide show of many scenes of Burundi...including photos of the new president of the country

In June 21th, 2001 SSO celebrated the total eclipse in Zambia at the Solipse Festival. A clip about coultural barriers being bridged thru music. Hear what the Zambian kids were really dancing to.... Thanks Basti for the edit ( www.vision34.de )

The work of Youth for Christ in Burundi for more informations see www.greatlakesoutreach.org

2nd year for the Land Rover Discovery using the Tdi 5 door models

and the flag

Amazing drum show from Burundi

The tradition of beating the heavy drums made of thick wood goes back centuries in Burundi (Central Africa) and is accompanied by an elaborate choreography. The drummers enjoy great popularity.

The tradition of beating the heavy drums made of thick wood goes back centuries in Burundi (Central Africa) and is accompanied by an elaborate choreography. The drummers enjoy great popularity.

This is from 2003 when I drove through the quarter Kamenge in Burundi Capital Bujumbura. My sister in-law filmed it. Today there is peace. Burundi is no longer divided into two/three ethnic groups, now it is "Just" Burundians!

Les tambourinaires du Burundi

Beautiful voices from my trip to Burundi last summer.

They are the friends from "La Pirogue", improvising good music every sunday in Bujumbura, in the little but warm heart from África: Burundi. Kirinyota mugenzi, shaka amstel ikañe chañe!!!

AFRICA FROM A-Z : BURUNDI

My friend Jimmy from Bujumbura, Burundi, Africa plays his own song Feb 2007

Almost 75,000 Burundian refugees have returned home this year. Returning is one thing, finding a home after years of exile is another. In this small and densely populated country, land is scarce and property disputes threaten the fragile post-war peace. UNHCR is lending a hand by mediating land conflicts and helping the most vulnerable to build homes.

Worship during a service in Bujumbura, Burundi

Quelques belles images de Bujumbura avant les éléctions de 2005