#5. The Republic of Burundi

Burundi is known as “The Heart of Africa” because of its shape and location within the continent. Hospitality was once very important in Burundi. In the past, when people went on a journey, they would stop when they were tired or when night fell at any home. They could be sure of a welcome and a night's lodging. I hope they still do the same:). Burundi is a landlocked country in the Great Rift Valley currently led by His Excellency President Évariste Ndayishimiye.

The country sends my memory back to primary school grade 6 in 2009 when we were studying the whole of Eastern African countries in our Social Studies (natural and human geography combined with politics and histories). It was my favorite subject and the teacher was a strict one to ensure everyone caught as much as possible. The songs of capital cities of the Eastern African countries were a savior. I remember the day I kept reciting them:...."The capital city of Burundi is Bujumbura"...then I laughed:). If it happened to be in the exam and someone wrote the wrong answer, the cane was ready to disrupt their sensory nerves. Good old days!

But now here I am. More interested in the country than never before. The development reality is characterized by fragility as a low income country like many others in the African country at the moment. The impacts of covid-19, the regional wars such as Ukraine and Russia, civil wars in DRC, global environmental challenges including climate change among others still pull back the country's efforts to move forward. But that is a story for another day.

Let us dive into the national identity of the country. The leading traditional symbol of Burundi was an ancient drum, Karyenda which had a semi-divine status. The mwami (“ruler”) alone could interpret the messages of Karyenda and transform them into rules governing society. Karyenda was thus chosen as a symbol for the national flag when Burundi emerged from Belgian colonial rule. A sorghum plant, representing a chief agricultural product of Burundi, was also shown. The drum and plant appeared on the central white disk of the flag authorized by the mwami on March 30, 1962, and hoisted on July 1 when independence was achieved (shown below).

The flag background incorporated a white saltire, a design idea that may have been borrowed from Belgium, whose cross of Burgundy was a common flag motif from the 17th century

After the monarchy was overthrown in November 1966, Karyenda was removed from the flag. A new design, most recently reconfirmed by the decree of September 27, 1982, became official on June 28, 1967 (shown below).

Meanings of the colors and symbols:

I>---The three six-pointed stars of red with green borders correspond to the national motto, “Unité, Travail, Progrès” (French for “Unity, Work, Progress”). The three stars are also said to represent the three ethnic groups who live in Burundi, namely the Hutu, Tutsi and the Twa. and the loyalty that Burundians once pledged to their god, king, and country.

II>---The white color of the saltire represents peace.

III>---Green color represents the nation's hopes placed on future development.

IV>---Red color symbolizes the suffering of the nation during its freedom struggle.

The National Anthem

This is another beautiful rhythmic anthem. Originally written in Kirundi language and entitled "Burundi bwacu" meaning 'Our Burundi'. Listening in and singing along with them arouses my zeal for music:). What a magnificent joy of identity!. English translation below:

#1. Beloved Burundi, gentle country, Take your place in the concert of nations,

Acceding to independence with honorable intentions, Wounded and bruised, you have remained master of yourself.

#2. When the hour came, you arose, Lifting yourself proudly into the ranks of free peoples.

Receive, then, the congratulations of the nations, And the homage of your sons.

May your name ring out through the universe.

#3. Beloved Burundi, sacred heritage from our forefathers, Recognized as worthy of self-government,

With your courage you also have a sense of honour, Sing the glory of liberty conquered again.

#4. Beloved Burundi, worthy of our tenderest love,We vow to your noble service our hands and hearts and lives,

May God, who gave you to us, keep you for us to venerate,

Under the shield of unity, In peace, joy and prosperity.

'...Wounded and bruised, you have remained master to yourself'... And this so reminds me of my many times in such a status. This discovery is the epitome of a resilient country. As a girl of the African soil, I am always encouraged to see the headlines that: "Burundi's economy still remains resilient" in the stormy world of progress. Just like a human heart is resilient and always withstanding lots of pressure and challenges, so is the "Heart of Africa", Burundi.

I am so confident that great things and potential lies in this country. My heart connects with the Heart of Africa, to see a better continent no matter how Tsunamious the voyage will be! We stand in unity, work and progress. At this rate, I want to visit Burundi first:). Oh! Africa is beautiful!

Dear esteemed Reader, have you learned something?

See you in the next country!

©Girl of the African Soil.