Pray for Burundi
One of the longest and deepest lakes in the world, on Burundi's western border.
Photo: NASA, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.
About Burundi
The capital is Gitega. People speak Kirundi, French and English. The largest faith is Christianity.
Source: Wikipedia, with the cited sources it lists.
Prayer briefing for Burundi
Last updated October 2026. Facts come from the sources listed below.
Current events
Burundi hosts about 159,000 refugees and asylum seekers, many of them Congolese who fled the fighting in eastern Congo, with more than 45,000 at the Busuma site. Cholera has persisted, the government has expanded its Ebola preparedness plan, and UNICEF says about 1.3 million people need help. In July eight worshippers died in a crush at a night prayer meeting in Bujumbura.
We pray for: Immediate relief, safety and urgent help.
Leadership and politics
Burundi is a republic. The President is Evariste Ndayishimiye, the Vice President is Prosper Bazombanza and the Prime Minister is Nestor Ntahontuye. After the June 2025 elections the ruling CNDD-FDD is the only party in the National Assembly, and in April 2026 it named President Ndayishimiye as its candidate for the 2027 presidential election.
We pray for: Wisdom, integrity and justice for those in authority.
Economic health
Inflation has fallen sharply, to about 9% in July 2026 from about 45% in April 2025, and the IMF expects growth of about 4% this year. But foreign currency is scarce, reserves cover under two months of imports, and fuel shortages keep returning. Burundi remains one of the poorest nations in the world.
We pray for: Provision for families and honest stewardship.
Social and cultural issues
Burundi is home mainly to Hutu and Tutsi, and the 2000 Arusha agreement shared power between them after years of war. Congolese refugees and malnourished children are among the most vulnerable: UNICEF has treated more than 15,000 young children for severe wasting this year. A forecast El Nino could bring floods and hunger.
We pray for: Reconciliation, peace and protection of the vulnerable.
Spiritual landscape
Most Burundians are Christian. The 2008 census found about 62% Catholic, about 22% Protestant and about 2% Seventh-day Adventist, with about 2.5% Muslim, though Muslim and Christian groups believe the Muslim share is higher. There are about 16,000 registered religious groups, most of them small Christian congregations.
We pray for: Spiritual awakening, hope and the spread of truth.
Religious freedom
The constitution protects freedom of religion. A 2014 law requires every religious group to register, with at least 300 members and a leader with a degree, and worship in unregistered places can bring fines or prison. The US State Department reported that in 2023 police arrested about 61 church members in Ngozi for worshipping in an unauthorised place. Leaders of the nation often visit churches and mosques.
We pray for: Protection for believers and freedom to worship safely.
Historical wounds
Burundi has known deep cycles of ethnic violence. In 1972 more than 100,000 people are thought to have been killed. The assassination of President Melchior Ndadaye in October 1993 began a civil war in which about 300,000 people died before peace returned in 2005, leaving grief on every side.
We pray for: National healing, breaking old cycles and deep forgiveness.
Let us pray together
Our Father, we come to You together for Burundi. Care for the refugees and the sick, protect families from cholera and Ebola, and comfort those who lost loved ones in Bujumbura. Give President Ndayishimiye and all in authority wisdom, integrity and justice as 2027 draws near. Provide fuel, food and fair prices for every family. Protect the children and the refugees, and keep Hutu and Tutsi together in peace. Let Your truth and hope fill every church and home. Keep believers free to gather and worship You safely. Heal the wounds of 1972 and 1993, and break the old cycles of violence through forgiveness. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Sources
- UNICEF: Burundi Humanitarian Situation Report No. 23 (Aug 2026)
- Africanews: Crush at Burundi prayer meeting leaves eight dead (July 2026)
- CIA: World Leaders, Burundi (May 2026)
- Ecofin Agency: Ndayishimiye named ruling party candidate for 2027 (Apr 2026)
- Rio Times: Burundi inflation, gold, coffee and the IMF (Sept 2026)
- KT Press: Burundi reserves critically low, IMF (June 2026)
- US State Department: 2023 Report on International Religious Freedom, Burundi
- Wikipedia: Burundian Civil War
More ways to pray
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