At a Glance
Alliances & Memberships
- UN
- AU
- EAC
- COMESA
Foreign Policy Overview
Recovering from international isolation; tense with Rwanda over M23; troops in DRC and Somalia (ATMIS).
Key Positions on Major Issues
Anti-Rwanda; supports DRC against M23; pro-African solutions.
UN Voting Record Notes
Generally African consensus; abstains on Russia-Ukraine.
Economy & Trade
Burundi's economy is heavily dependent on agriculture, which accounts for approximately 40% of GDP and employs over 80% of the workforce. Key exports include coffee and tea, alongside growing investments in minerals like rare earth elements and nickel. The nation utilizes the Burundian Franc (BIF) and faces significant challenges including foreign exchange shortages and high inflation. Major trade partners include China, India, the United Arab Emirates, and fellow East African Community (EAC) members.
Military & Security
The Burundi National Defence Force (FDNB) consists of approximately 30,000 active personnel and is a significant contributor to African Union peacekeeping missions, particularly ATMIS in Somalia. Defense spending remains around 2-3% of GDP, focused on internal stability and counter-insurgency against groups like RED-Tabara. Burundi maintains a defensive military doctrine and does not possess nuclear or WMD capabilities. Security cooperation is primarily focused on the East African Community's regional force frameworks.
Recent History
Burundi’s modern history is defined by the aftermath of the 1993-2005 civil war, concluded by the Arusha Accords. The 2015 political crisis, sparked by President Pierre Nkurunziza's bid for a third term, led to international isolation and suspension of some aid. Since the 2020 election of President Évariste Ndayishimiye, Burundi has pursued a policy of 're-engagement,' successfully seeing the lifting of EU and US sanctions. Relations with Rwanda have fluctuated, recently strained by accusations of support for rebel groups. The government is currently focused on the 'Emerging Country by 2040' initiative to modernize the economy and infrastructure.
International Memberships
- East African Community (EAC)since 2007
Core regional integration and customs union member.
- African Union (AU)since 1963 (as OAU)
Active participant in regional security and trade initiatives.
- Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF)since 1970
Historical and linguistic ties, significant for development aid.
- United Nations (UN)since 1962
Primary international forum; active in peacekeeping troop contributions.
MUN Negotiation Profile
Non-Aligned Movement; African Bloc; East African Community.
Sovereigntist and protective of domestic jurisdiction; prioritizes regional African solutions to African problems.
- Any intervention or Sanctions that infringe upon national sovereignty.
- External interference in domestic electoral processes or constitutional amendments.
- Conditionality of humanitarian aid based on domestic political shifts.
- "Advocating for the total lifting of any remaining international sanctions to foster economic growth."
- "Requesting increased international support for the 'Vision Burundi 2040' development plan."
- "Emphasizing Burundi's role as a regional stabilizer through its significant troop contributions to ATMIS."