Burundi: Not by Might

It’s a fragile peace. Today’s students in Burundi may not have experienced war, but a genocide, a 10-year civil war, and an attempted coup reveal ethnic tensions that remain dangerously close to the surface.  

Laurent Kayogera, staff in UGBB (Union des Groupes Bibliques du Burundi), the IFES national movement in Burundi, reports that hate speech, unrest, and violence is easily provoked – on university campuses and in wider society. But, through his Logos and Cosmos Initiative (LCI) project, Laurent is helping students and church leaders find a way forward. 

Last year, Laurent organised seminars on conflict resolution for students in two main cities. They explored connections between faith, science, and culture by examining biblical texts, legal principles, and the approach of Burundian culture to conflict resolution. 

At the Polytechnic University of Gitega, Laurent was impressed by the nineteen UGBB student leaders:  

“They were so interested and immersed in their small group discussions that the program ended two hours later than planned!” 

For the session in Bujumbura, eleven student leaders were joined by 3 members of the University of Burundi’s Joint Commission for the Peaceful Resolution of Conflicts. One participant remarked: 

“I never realised that we could discuss these ethnic issues with such an open heart. It shows me that there’s still hope.”   

The project’s goal – to produce future leaders who favour dialogue and forgiveness over division and violence – feels a step closer. 

Indeed, the training sessions have already stirred action. In both cities, students resolved to organise meetings to pass on their learning to peers – and UGBB will help organise such events in coming months. Elimeleck, on the University of Burundi’s conflict resolution committee, says they recently instituted general assemblies for students to create dialogue on student life and avoid disputes.   

To reach more students and campuses, Laurent has also just released a podcast series on Facebook – “inclusive dialogue, imbibed with moral and Christian virtues… an alternative to using muscle.” 

Laurent’s project has touched religious leaders as well. The majority of Burundi’s population identify as Christian, but church conflicts and leadership crises are common – especially around succession. So, last year, Laurent facilitated a session for 13 church leaders and 12 staff. 

“I remain convinced that creating spaces to discuss ethnic issues and the roots of conflict can shift mindsets – and that can change behaviour. I know it doesn’t happen overnight. But with time, with the Lord’s help, my prayer is that we’ll demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit in times of conflict.”  

So, let’s pray for peace to hold and deepen in Burundi – not by human might or power, but by the Spirit who unites Christ’s varied members as one body.