Legal framework on freedom of religion and actual application
The 2018 Constitution of Burundi[1] guarantees the right to freedom of expression, religion, thought, conscience, and opinion (Article 31), as well as the right to freedom of assembly and association (Article 32). It describes Burundi as “an independent, sovereign, secular, democratic, unitary Republic which respects its ethnic and religious diversity” (Article 1). All Burundians are equal “in merit and dignity,” with “the same rights and…protection of the law,” and cannot be “excluded from the social, political, or economic life due to their race, language, religion, sex, or ethnic origin” (Article 13).
In September 2022, the National Assembly passed a law on religions,[2] a revision of a 2014 law,[3] and gave religious groups two years to comply (Article 70). It requires them to register with the Ministry of Interior and submit their statutes with the names of the members of their governing body and personal information about them. Once they receive approval from the ministry, they are free to carry out their activities.[4]
The law also requires religious leaders to hold a bachelor’s degree, regulates Church funding, and imposes a minimum distance between places of worship (500 metres in urban areas and one kilometre in rural areas). Additionally, the law mandates that religious organisations report any foreign donations or bequests to the Ministry of the Interior.
Many religious leaders consider the law restrictive and argue that the two-year timeframe is insufficient. They have also raised concerns about several other aspects: distance regulations, which are not being enforced in some areas of the capital, Bujumbura; compliance requirements for places of worship under construction, which result in delay due to bureaucratic inefficiencies; and the requirement for Church leaders to hold a bachelor’s degree.[5]
Incidents and developments
During the period under review, the ongoing conflict in the Great Lakes region -particularly the resurgence of the M23 rebellion in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) - has had repercussions on Burundi’s stability. While the country is not at the centre of the conflict, its involvement, which has included troop deployments in DRC and a role within the East African regional force, has intensified security concerns.
President Évariste Ndayishimiye describes himself as a fervent Catholic[6] and has accused his opponents of acting against the will of God, labelling those who doubt his vision for the country as servants of Satan.[7] In December 2024, during the traditional Umuganuro festival, President Ndayishimiye and First Lady Angéline Ndayubaha presided over a national prayer crusade intended to consecrate the nation for the year 2025. The event exemplified the close entanglement between political authority and religious expression in Burundi.[8]
In September 2022, the President accused the then Prime Minister Alain-Guillaume Bunyoni of planning a coup to remove him from office. In April 2023, Bunyoni was arrested and sentenced to life imprisonment for plotting to overthrow the President. In 2024, Bunyoni appealed his conviction.[9]
On 4 April 2023, police arrested 61 members of the “World Glory Church of Christ” in the province of Ngozi. Local sources reported that they were praying in a house in Kinyami 2 district, in the provincial capital, also called Ngozi. The same sources indicated that the detainees, who included 29 women, were held in extremely poor conditions, confined in small, overcrowded cells.[10]
On 3rd October 2023, the government and the Bishops’ Conference of Burundi established a joint commission with six subcommittees, a significant step forward in relations between the State and the Church.[11] This initiative builds on the 2012 Framework Agreement between the Republic of Burundi and the Catholic Church,[12] which provides a legal foundation for its activities. The subcommittees address key areas of cooperation, including lay associations, education, healthcare, chaplaincy services, human development and social assistance, and the restitution of Church properties previously confiscated by the State. Archbishop Bonaventure Nahimana, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Burundi (CECAB), highlighted the importance of formalising the legal recognition of lay Catholic associations, which actively contribute to charitable and apostolic missions.[13]
In November 2023, the Archdiocese of Bujumbura organised a meeting for young Catholics, encouraging them to embrace digital platforms as a form of apostolate. Organised to ensure that the young people can communicate effectively while upholding Catholic values, this was part of a movement which aims to evangelise and promote peace through social media and other online tools.[14] Concerns, however, about online censorship and government surveillance persist.[15]
In February 2024, Methodist Church leaders made significant efforts to bridge the gap between faith and politics. Their initiatives include dialogue between political leaders and religious groups to foster unity and ensure that faith-based concerns are addressed within the political framework. The collaboration has been praised for encouraging peaceful coexistence, but it also raises questions about the autonomy of religious organisations in an environment where political tensions often influence freedom of expression.[16]
On 15th April 2024, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Burundi (CECAB) sent a strongly critical message to the government ahead of the May 2025 elections.[17] Read in churches across the country, the statement warned against authoritarian tendencies, denounced political interference in the judiciary, extrajudicial executions, enforced disappearances, and worsening poverty, and called for political pluralism, fair competition, and free media access. The bishops also condemned politically motivated killings and corruption, criticising public sector recruitment based on party loyalty or bribes. Their message served as a clear warning about democratic backsliding and called for greater accountability and inclusivity in governance.[18]
In July 2024, nearly 90 Catholic priests were set to be ordained across Burundi, reflecting the Church’s significant influence. This surge in local vocations contrasts sharply with the 1960s, when indigenous priests were rare. It illustrates how the Church has come to play a pivotal role in Burundian society as a moral compass, spiritual advisor, and civic educator, especially during turbulent times.[19]
In September 2024, a visit to Burundi by Bishop Anthony Poggo, Secretary General to the Anglican Communion, advanced interdenominational cooperation. He commended the Anglican Church of Burundi for its resilience in addressing challenges such as poverty and social injustice, which are often linked to religious discrimination. The visit reinforced the importance of religious freedom and mutual support in promoting social harmony.[20]
Although predominantly Christian, Burundi is home to a Muslim minority, mostly Sunnis and concentrated in urban areas.[21] On 23rd December 2024, the Grand Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, praised Burundi’s Muslim community for ensuring a smooth leadership transition which led to the installation of Sheikh Salum Nayabagabo as the new Mufti of Burundi. Sheikh Mubaje’s message, delivered by Uganda’s Deputy Mufti, Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa, described the unity and loyalty of the community, reflected in the large turnout at an event at Gitega National Football Stadium. Representing the Burundian government, Mr Révérien Ndikuriyo commended the Muslim community for their commitment and reaffirmed the State’s support for the new leadership.[22]
On 28th December 2024, President Ndayishimiye and his wife participated in the National Thanksgiving Prayer in Bujumbura. The service was led by the Catholic Archbishop of Bujumbura, Mgr Gervais Banshimiyubusa.[23]
Prospects for freedom of religion
Concerns in Burundi remain, particularly concerning authoritarian politics , which, while not primarily directed at religious freedom, have broad implications for human rights. Despite constitutional protections, authorities have increasingly politicised religious discourse and intensified scrutiny of religious organisations, particularly those critical of the government. This has curtailed their autonomy, especially in humanitarian and peacebuilding activities connected to the regional crisis.
The 2022 law on religious groups also remains a cause for concern, especially regarding its potential impact on the exercise of religious freedom and the extent of state interference. Despite these challenges, the country has seen young people undertake an evangelisation drive, while interfaith dialogue has fostered unity. The Muslim community has transitioned to new leadership that likewise emphasises unity. Prospects for freedom of religion remain unchanged.
Sources
Burundi