On November 19, 2024, the U.S. Embassy in Burundi published that since 2019, the United States, through USAID, has allocated over $377 million to support various sectors in Burundi, including health, humanitarian assistance, economic development, and democracy and governance. In 2023 alone, USAID contributed $25 million to combat HIV/AIDS, $15 million through the President’s Malaria Initiative, $15 million for family planning, reproductive health, and maternal and child health, and an additional $3 million to help Burundi prepare for public health emergencies.
The recent decision to freeze U.S. foreign aid for three months has sent shockwaves across the globe, affecting nearly 189 countries that collectively received $39 billion in 2024. Among those impacted is Burundi, which received $70 million in U.S. assistance last year. This sudden reduction in aid raises concerns about the country’s development trajectory and the future of numerous projects funded by U.S. agencies. This reduction in aid raises concerns about the country’s development trajectory and the fate of numerous projects funded by U.S. agencies.
Burundi’s Share of U.S. Aid
Burundi, one of the least-funded nations in the East African Community, received significantly less U.S. assistance compared to regional counterparts. Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Kenya, for example, each received over $800 million in aid in 2024. While Burundi’s allocation of $70 million is modest in comparison, it plays a crucial role in supporting essential sectors such as health, humanitarian assistance, and economic development.
The impact of the freeze is particularly alarming given that in 2022, Burundi saw its highest-ever U.S. aid allocation of $110 million. A cooperation agreement signed between Burundi’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and USAID in 2022 aimed to provide $400 million in development assistance from 2022 to 2026—an average of $80 million per year. However, with aid now frozen, questions arise about the continuity of this partnership and the projects it supports.
How U.S. Aid Supports Burundi
According to ForeignAssistance.gov, U.S. funds in Burundi are primarily allocated to the health sector, humanitarian relief, peace and security, and economic development. The suspension of USAID operations, which channels over 60% of these funds, may leave critical programs in limbo.
Several key projects have relied on U.S. support:
- ERRA Project: A $75 million initiative focused on agricultural development across eight African countries, including Burundi, launched in July 2024.
- Kugwiza Project: A $20 million agricultural innovation initiative in Burundi, Rwanda, and the DRC, with a potential renewal for future phases.
- Health Programs: A $15 million budget supporting vaccine distribution and malaria control efforts, benefiting 250,000 people.
- Malnutrition Reduction: Programs benefiting over 54,000 children in 2023, implemented by UNICEF Burundi.
- Refugee and Disaster Assistance: Aid for displaced persons and victims of natural calamities.
With the aid freeze in effect, these projects face an uncertain future. Many beneficiaries, including vulnerable populations relying on health and food aid, may experience significant hardships.
A Setback in U.S.-Burundi Relations?
The decision to suspend U.S. assistance comes at a time when relations between the two nations had shown signs of improvement. Following the lifting of economic sanctions imposed in 2015, the U.S. had steadily increased its involvement in Burundi’s development. However, the current freeze raises concerns about potential job losses and disruptions in various sectors reliant on American aid.
Albert Shingiro, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Development, has already spoken on the issue of the freezing of U.S. aid. “We Burundians do not pay taxes in America. It is their right to grant or withhold aid. This freeze is rather a signal for us to strive for self-sufficiency. Of course, we are grateful to our partners for their contributions, but it is also their right to reassess their level of involvement“, he said during the media briefing.
Although emergency food and health assistance remain exempt from the suspension, the broader economic implications are yet to be fully assessed. If the freeze extends beyond the planned three-month period, the consequences could be severe, jeopardizing years of development progress. The coming months will determine whether this freeze is a temporary setback or a sign of deeper policy shifts affecting Burundi’s development prospects.
Note that effective Friday, February 7, 2025, at 11:59 pm (EST), in a press release, all USAID direct hire personnel have been placed on administrative leave worldwide, except for those handling mission-critical functions. Essential staff have been notified by February 6 at 3:00 pm (EST). For personnel posted abroad, USAID is coordinating with the Department of State to arrange return travel within 30 days and will consider exceptions for hardship or safety concerns.
Sources: https://www.mae.gov.bi/2022/02/11/signature-dun-accord-dassistance/
https://www.iita.org/news-item/the-kugwiza-project-transforming-agriculture-in-burundi
https://www.iita.org/great-lakes-accelerated-innovation-delivery-initiative-rapid-delivery-hub
