Burundi: Fragile Communities Shattered by Years of War

This April 2003 briefing by the Institute for Security Studies describes the severe humanitarian and political crisis in Burundi. It details the impact of prolonged conflict since 1993, including massive internal displacement, refugee crises in Tanzania, and a fragile food security situation exacerbated by drought. The document argues that humanitarian deterioration and political instability are mutually reinforcing, with peace prospects hindered by elite power struggles and the lack of a comprehensive ceasefire.

• Since the crisis began in 1993, an estimated 300,000 Burundians have died. The conflict has been characterized by widespread insecurity and human rights violations committed by both government military and rebel groups, including the rape of women, pillaging, and the forced enlistment of children.
• Burundi faces a critical humanitarian crisis with high levels of displacement and food insecurity. By mid-April 2003, approximately 525,000 people were internally displaced, with 75% residing in 226 camps. Food stocks have dropped significantly due to abnormally dry weather, specifically affecting the production of beans, the primary protein source for the population.
• There are over 840,000 Burundian refugees in the region, primarily in Tanzania. Tensions have risen in Tanzania due to the social and economic impact of sharing resources and allegations that camps served as bases for CNDD-FDD rebels. While the UNHCR implemented a voluntary repatriation program in March 2002, many returnees fled back to Tanzania due to continued violence.
• Severe structural issues and health crises further destabilize the country. Burundi has the second highest population density in Africa (over 240 per sq km), leading to acute land scarcity and disputes. Public health is poor, with a life expectancy of 40.6 years in 2000, prevalence of HIV in over 10% of adults, and malaria as the leading cause of death.
• The prospects for peace are hindered by political fragmentation and the reluctance of international donors to disburse aid without a comprehensive ceasefire. While an African Union peacekeeping force of 3,500 was expected in June 2003, instability remains high due to the impending transfer of power to a Hutu president and the potential for government paralysis depending on the appointment of the Vice-President.

APA

Clover, J. (2003). Burundi: Fragile Communities Shattered by Years of War. Institute for Security Studies. https://issafrica.org/topics/conflict-prevention-and-analysis/01-apr-2003-burundi-fragile-communities-shattered-by-years-of-war-jenny-clover

Chicago

Clover, Jenny. Burundi: Fragile Communities Shattered by Years of War. Institute for Security Studies, 2003. https://issafrica.org/topics/conflict-prevention-and-analysis/01-apr-2003-burundi-fragile-communities-shattered-by-years-of-war-jenny-clover.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Clover |first1=Jenny |title=Burundi: Fragile Communities Shattered by Years of War |publisher=Institute for Security Studies |date=1 April 2003 |url=https://issafrica.org/topics/conflict-prevention-and-analysis/01-apr-2003-burundi-fragile-communities-shattered-by-years-of-war-jenny-clover |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{clover2003burundi, author = {Clover, Jenny}, title = {{Burundi: Fragile Communities Shattered by Years of War}}, institution = {Institute for Security Studies}, year = {2003}, month = apr, url = {https://issafrica.org/topics/conflict-prevention-and-analysis/01-apr-2003-burundi-fragile-communities-shattered-by-years-of-war-jenny-clover}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }