INTRODUCTION
Burundi’s culture is quite varied and is mostly defined by the country’s many distinct ethnic groups. Hutu people make up 89 percent of the population, Tutsi people make up 10 percent, and Twa people make up the remaining 1 percent of the population (1 percent ). Despite this, the interplay of racial distinctions between Hutu and Tutsi remains dominating, and it frequently leads to war between the two tribes.
In instance, the Hutu people arrived first in the 11th century and quickly established themselves as the dominant ethnic group. However, it is the Tutsi people, who arrived later in the 14th century, who have established themselves as the dominant group in the political arena. In point of fact, members of the tribe are subdivided into four royal clans that correspond to the four great kingdoms that have existed in Burundian history. These clans are known as Bambutsu, Bataga, Batare, and Bezi.
In the same manner, the Tutsi have maintained their position at the top of the social hierarchy, which may be linked to their rise in wealth. They most likely have ownership privileges in the lands and animals that are available to them. The livestock clientage system, which originated in the 14th century, is responsible for this phenomenon. In return, it is up to the Hutu people to undertake the manual labor, which may include cultivating the land or tending the animals.
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It’s not just a matter of pride for the locals that their cattle are their most prized possessions. This category of animal is also significant in the spiritual realm of Burundi, and it is worthy of being prayed to and worshipped. In general, cattle are symbolic of happiness, good health, and financial success. Even in more informal forms of greeting, these are considered to be parts of paying respect to other people. “Amashyo” is a traditional Japanese greeting, and its literal translation is “may more herds of cattle come.”
Along with cattle, lands are another type of animal that are thought to have spiritual power. A ceremony honoring land fertility is held in order to pray to “Kiranga,” the god of ancestral spirits, for a bountiful harvest. Playing the drum, which is also known for its spiritual significance, is a tradition that is observed during ceremonies such as this one. In point of fact, according to custom, young boys will amass a considerable wealth if they are given the opportunity to play the drum of the King.
CULTURE AND ANCESTORAL PRACTICES
Burundi’s culture is quite varied and is mostly defined by the country’s many distinct ethnic groups. Hutu people make up 89 percent of the population, Tutsi people make up 10 percent, and Twa people make up the remaining 1 percent of the population (1 percent ). Despite this, the interplay of racial distinctions between Hutu and Tutsi remains dominating, and it frequently leads to war between the two tribes.
In instance, the Hutu people arrived first in the 11th century and quickly established themselves as the dominant ethnic group. However, it is the Tutsi people, who arrived later in the 14th century, who have established themselves as the dominant group in the political arena. In point of fact, members of the tribe are subdivided into four royal clans that correspond to the four great kingdoms that have existed in Burundian history. These clans are known as Bambutsu, Bataga, Batare, and Bezi.
In the same manner, the Tutsi have maintained their position at the top of the social hierarchy, which may be linked to their rise in wealth. They most likely have ownership privileges in the lands and animals that are available to them. The livestock clientage system, which originated in the 14th century, is responsible for this phenomenon. In return, it is up to the Hutu people to undertake the manual labor, which may include cultivating the land or tending the animals.
It’s not only a matter of pride for the locals that their cattle are their most prized belongings. This category of animal is also significant in the spiritual realm of Burundi, and it is worthy of being prayed to and worshipped. In general, cattle are symbolic of pleasure, good health, and financial success. Even in more informal forms of greeting, these are regarded to be parts of paying respect to other people. “Amashyo” is a traditional Japanese greeting, and its literal translation is “may more herds of cattle come.”
Along with cattle, lands are another type of animal that are said to have spiritual power. A ritual honoring land fertility is held in order to pray to “Kiranga,” the deity of ancestor spirits, for a bountiful crop. Playing the drum, which is also known for its spiritual significance, is a tradition that is observed throughout ceremonies such as this one. In point of fact, according to custom, young boys will amass a considerable wealth if they are given the opportunity to play the drum of the King.
LANGUAGE
The linguistic structure of Burundi is fascinating, and it accurately reflects the country’s authentic history and culture. Kirundi is the official national language and is used widely throughout the country. The neighboring countries also use the native language as their primary language of communication. In addition to this, certain aspects of the language also share a close relationship with other African languages. Without a doubt, this can be attributed to the intertwined cultural roots that run throughout the African nations.
The language known as Kirundi, which is also referred to as Rundi, is classified as a Bantu language. It is said to be closely linked to the Wanda language or the Kinyarwanda language, which would make it part of the Rwanda-Rundi group. Both of these languages have been taken into consideration for use as the primary verbal mode of communication within the group because they are understandable. Additional languages in the same family include Ha, Hangaza, and Shubi.
EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM
The educational system in Burundi is still in the process of becoming more developed. Both the public and the private sectors contributed an equal amount toward the improvement and expansion of educational opportunities. The majority of elementary and secondary schools are run by private organizations, whereas the state maintains control over higher education establishments. In turn, the educational system consists of a comprehensive set of preparatory, elementary, high school, college, and vocational schooling options for students to choose from.
The executive body that is responsible for the regulation of the national education system all across the country is the Ministry of Education and Culture. Education for All, sometimes known as EFC, is the ministry’s main education initiative. In order to achieve this objective, a group consisting of individuals from the ministry worked together in 2006 to produce a Comprehensive Strategy Note for educational reform. The primary education for all children is one of the Millennium Development Goals that the national government intends to accomplish by the year 2015.
Formal education and non-formal education are the two main components that make up the Burundian educational system. Primary education lasts for six years, while lower secondary education and upper secondary education each last for four years, and higher education lasts for three years (four years). Preparatory and vocational education are the two components that make up the non-formal educational structure. The completion of Kindergarten schooling in two years is the defining characteristic of preparatory education, whereas the completion of technical schooling at the lower level in five years and at the upper level in seven years is the defining characteristic of vocational education.
The preparatory learning centers, elementary schools, colleges, lyceums, universities, and higher institutes of education make up the roster of educational institutions found within the country. Traditionally, the academic year runs from October through June each year. Even though there is a national language that is widely understood, French continues to be the dominant language used for classroom instruction.
There are nearly nine million native speakers of Burundi’s national language throughout the country. There are approximately 84 percent Hutu native speakers, 15 percent Tutsi native speakers, and 1 percent Twa native speakers. Although the Twa and the Hutu and Tutsi varieties of spoken Kirundi are quite similar to one another in terms of their characteristics, all three varieties are recognized as being equally understandable. People from Congo Kinshasa, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda are examples of persons who do not speak the language as their native tongue.
Rundi has been a part of the Burundian culture since the time of their ancestors. In point of fact, major echoes of historic cultural values may be found woven throughout the language. For example, the traditional greeting “Amashyo,” which translates to “more herds of cattle,” is a wonderful example of how culture is perfectly embodied in the language. In addition to this, the Rundi standard spelling system has been in use continuously since the year 1940.
French is another language that is spoken by locals alongside Kirundi. French is commonly used as the primary language in Burundian schools and other formal settings, despite the fact that the origin of the language is largely attributed to contact with Europeans. Swahili is one of the other languages spoken in the area, and it is the language most commonly used in business along Tanganyika Lake and in Bujumbura. Locals practice this language as well.
HEALTH SYSTEM
It can be attributed to unfavorable national conditions that Burundi’s health care system is not as developed as it should be. The ongoing civil war, sluggish economic growth, and a lack of available medical resources all contributed to the nation’s widespread health care problem. The international community has extended an offer of financial assistance and strategic direction to the Republic as a response to the alarming state of the country’s health system.
According to the World Health Statistics from 2006, the total population was 8,173,000 people, the GDP health expenditure was 3%, life expectancy for males is 48 years and for females it is 50 years, healthy life expectancy for males is 33 years and for females it is 37 years, the infant mortality rate is 181 per 1,000 people, and the adult mortality rate for males is 461 and for females it is 412.
The country frequently experiences outbreaks of various diseases. In point of fact, this encompasses cholera, malaria, meningitis (Group A), schistosomiasis, smallpox, trypanosomiasis, and malnutrition among other conditions. Other disturbing illnesses are tuberculosis with 382 cases per 1,000 people (1999) and HIV AIDS with 113 cases per 1,000 people (1999). (1999).
The illness is likely made considerably worse by insufficient medical resources including supplies, equipment, and even health personnel. In 2004, there were just five doctors, 28 nurses, and one pharmacist for every 1,000 inhabitants. Hospital beds for every 1,000 persons are estimated at around one unit.
The lack of access to health care has been combatted by international communities through various initiatives. The World Health Organization provided funding and support for the establishment of public health care systems and the organization of these systems, as well as for the education of medical professionals in other countries. Also, it has increased nutritional aid for women and children in partnership with the United Nations Organization on Food and Agriculture and United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund.
ECONOMY
Burundi has an undeveloped economy due to bad national conditions. These include ethnic unrest, overcrowding, and poor resources. All of these factors contributed to a lackluster growth and development of the economy. Agriculture and financial help from other countries are also essential to the public sector’s ability to survive.
Farming is the primary engine that drives the economy, which is why agriculture is so important. The major agricultural subsector that is under the control of the national government is the coffee producing industry. The state government, which owns and operates the company, benefits financially from the crop in a significant amount thanks to the efforts made to export it. In point of fact, it is the most important commodity in terms of national exports, followed by tea and cotton products. Since 1986, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund have worked together to reduce international trade barriers, diversify exports and imports, liberalize trade between nations, and rehabilitate the country’s currency through various reforms, one of which is the implementation of new coffee production policies.
However, the percentage contribution to GDP from the three most important industries in 2008 was as follows: 46 percent from the service sector, 33 percent from the agricultural sector, and 21 percent from the industrial sector. The service industry is dependent on the common subsectors that operate within the vicinity. The agricultural sector is dependent on agricultural production such as bananas, coffee, cotton, corn, sorghum, sweet potatoes, tea, cattle, and dairy goods. Agricultural policy is also based on agricultural produce. The construction and public works industries, the food processing industry, blanket weaving, shoe manufacturing, soap making, and component assembly are the foundation of the industrial sector.
Other supporting economic areas are import and export industries. In 2007, international trading partners that contributed to imports include Belgium (9 percent), France (6 percent), Germany (5 percent), India (5 percent), Kenya (11 percent), Pakistan (4 percent), Uganda (5 percent), and Saudi Arabia (17 percent). International trading partners that contributed to exports include Belgium (6 percent), China (4 percent), France (4 percent), Germany (31 percent), Pakistan (7 percent), Rwanda (4 percent), and Sweden (4 percent ). In 2008, main imports include capital goods, foodstuffs, and petroleum items while exports include coffee, cotton, hides, sugar, and tea.
GOVERNMENT
Burundi embraces democratic and republican form of government. As a direct result of this, the three branches of the government—the executive, the legislative, and the judiciary—are all on an equal footing. All of these components are essential to ensure that there are enough checks and balances built into the system that governs the state. It is possible to appoint or elect individuals to fill official positions.
The president serves as both the head of the government and the State, giving him or her the ability to exercise executive power. The President is elected into office by a supermajority of the legislature, and their term in office lasts for a period of five years beginning in 2005. In addition to this, he is responsible for running the executive body alongside the Vice President of the Parliament that he has appointed and the Ministers of the Cabinet.
Legislative authority is delegated to the body of the legislature that is comprised of two houses. Burundi Parliament is particularly composed of the Senate and the National Assembly whose members are to serve for five-year term. The former consists of a hundred congressman, sixty percent of whom are Hutus and forty percent of whom are Tutsis. Of the fifty-four senators who make up the former, thirty-four are chosen by a system of indirect voting, and twenty are heads of ethnic groups and state governments. Legislative responsibilities are geared towards bill proposal and legislation enactment.
Judicial authority is vested in the Supreme Court, which consists of nine individuals, including the President of the United States. The Highest court system is further subdivided into three chambers known as administrative chamber, chamber of cassation, and judicial chamber. Burundi Constitutional Courts likewise comprise another high court entity in the land. Other courts include the Court of Appeals and the Tribunals of the First Instance.
HISTORY
Burundi has a rich historical origin based on its ethnic settlers. These same ethnic tribes though, have arrested national growth and development in almost all facets of the society. No wonder, until the present national rehabilitation and reform programs are instituted to advance the dire condition prevalent across the country.
Original settlement in the Burundian territory is attributed to the Twa tribe. In the 11th century though, the Hutu tribe came into the scene and dominated the land in terms of number. The Tutsi tribe came in the 14th century which contrary to the Hutu dominated the land in terms of influence. As a result, this tribe maintained their position of dominance for many decades after that.
Along the eastern foothills, the Tutsi established their kingdom as early as the 16th century. Burundi is named for their ethnic group. However, it was not until the reign of Rugamba (1796–1850) that the monarchy achieved its maximum level of political prominence by expanding its sphere of authority. In particular, the King was regarded as the “Mwani” due to his ownership of a vast amount of land and cattle. Patron-client relationship characterized governmental system in which the subjects pay tributary tax in exchange for royal protection.
Mid-1800’s, European explorers and Christian missionaries came into the land. Germans officially commenced rule in 1899 when Burundi befell into the German East Africa colonies. It was also believed that the same foreign conquerors were responsible for the outbreak of the epidemic that infected both people and animals in the area. Despite the fact that the Germans were the ones who took control of the kingdom first, it was ultimately split between Belgian and British rule in 1923.
Independence was ultimately given on July 1, 1962. Colonial rule may have ended but civil war has just started. Since then, the tension between Hutu and Tutsi tribes has never been pacified which resulted in many deaths on both parties. In 2007, even the United Nations peacekeeping operations have put to end its efforts to appease these factions to concentrate on economic development, instead.
RELIGION
An intriguing variety of religious communities with roots in both the East and the West of the world may be found in Burundi. There is no doubt that this can be attributed to the fact that the state encourages religious freedom; as a result, there is a consistent influx of religious missionaries. However, religious beliefs have not appreciably impacted ethnic customs and traditions.
As a result of the State’s declaration of religious freedom in the Constitution that was adopted in 2005, every citizen is free to practice the faith of his or her choosing. Intended to this end, the government has also developed laws for the regulation of the religious sector. Both the acknowledgment of one’s religious affiliation and the listing of one’s houses of worship are legally required. In the event that compliance is not met, disciplinary action may be taken, which may include the closing of the facility and the incarceration of those responsible for its operation.
The state does not endorse any specific religious tradition in order to uphold its commitment to the principle of religious liberty. Because the national government respects all recognized religious groups, sacred days in the Catholic and Islamic calendars are given the recognition that is due to them. In response, the government’s lack of a particular religious affiliation led to the harmonious coexistence of a number of different religious sects.
Particularly, Christian congregations make up the majority of the population’s religious groups, which together account for 67 percent of the total population. The Roman Catholic Church holds a 62 percent stake, followed by the Protestant and Anglican churches, which collectively have a 5 percent part. Traditional and Eastern religious beliefs make up the population’s minority religious groups, which account for 33 percent of the total population. There are many other ethnic faiths accounting for 23 percent of the population, while Islam accounts for 10 percent. The Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Seventh Day Adventists, both of which are connected to Christianity and have growing membership networks, are two examples of other religions that fall under this category.
GASTRONOMY
Burundi is home to a variety of regional cuisines, all of which are prepared using the country’s abundant fresh vegetables. As a result, the dishes from Burundi are considered to be among the most expensive examples of African cuisine due to the use of rare ingredients and careful preparation. Cooking styles from other countries were also brought to the country, but this did not result in a significant shift in the preferences of the natives with regard to their food.
Due to the fact that farming is the primary means of subsistence for the locals, the typical Burundian diet centers on locally grown crops. The most reasonably priced components of regional meals are typically fresh fruits and vegetables. The consumption of meat is restricted to a small number of livestock and seafood items. Beef is certainly not part of native delicacies as cattle are regarded sacrosanct. Sweet pleasures and sweets following the main meal are not often provided, nevertheless.
There is a wide variety of items used often in Burundian cuisine. Components of the vegetable meal include bananas, beans, cabbage, cassava, corns, plaintains, sorghum, sweet potatoes, and other vegetables. Meat dish elements are chicken, goat, sheep, and fishes. Spices and condiments speckled on dishes are onions, palm oil, pepper, and salt along with flour.
The red kidney bean is by far the most common ingredient used in Burundian cooking. In point of fact, it is combined with green bananas that have been seasoned with salt and pepper to create the national specialty known as bananas and beans. Oil and onions are the only two ingredients required for cooking. The dish is best enjoyed when shared with others in a communal container and accompanied by banana beer or wine.
Other typical dinner offerings include Boko Boko Harees (chicken and wheat), Ugali (cornstarch paste), Date and banana mix (banana, dates, butter, cream, sugar, etc). (banana, dates, butter, cream, sugar, etc.). In addition, foods of international provenance include Belgian brochettes and frites, as well as the Asian bread known as chapati, which is made with wheat, salt, oil, and water.
