AGP Executive Report

Video Mapping in Burundi: Bujumbura hosted the AFRICA ON MAPPING Festival (June 1–6), with video projections, dance and poetry turning landmarks like the Old East building and the French Institute of Burundi into immersive art spaces. Local Arts & Culture: The festival’s standout mapping-dance performance, “Mango Seed Core,” drew big applause for its mix of choreography, digital visuals and personal storytelling. Burundi in the Region: A High Court in Malawi has barred Burundian traders from returning to Mgona Market in Lilongwe, pending a substantive case—an issue that could affect livelihoods and cross-border commerce. Sports (Burundi-linked): Wafalme Stars swept Zone Five qualifiers, finishing with a straight-sets win over Burundi, booking a spot at the 2026 CAVB African Nations Championship in Kinshasa. Music Moment: Kenyan musician Kidum went viral after surprising his 7-year-old son at school with meals and live saxophone and singing. Fashion/Design: Burundi’s creative scene also gets a nod through regional arts coverage, including a Burundi-linked video mapping spotlight and emerging talent stories.

School Birthday Surprise: Kenyan-Burundian musician Kidum went viral by visiting his 7-year-old son’s school, feeding the whole class and arranging live saxophone and singing for the birthday moment. Burundi on the Map (Arts + Tech): Bujumbura hosted AFRICA ON MAPPING, Africa’s first video-mapping festival, turning landmarks like the Old East building and the French Institute of Burundi into immersive stages with dance and poetry. Regional Arts & Culture Link: A new musical, “Basura,” based on Paraguay’s Cateura Recycled Instruments Orchestra, opened in Atlanta—an international reminder of how recycled music stories travel worldwide. Trade + Opportunity for Burundi: Singapore says it will negotiate a free trade agreement with the East African Community bloc that includes Burundi, aiming to boost market access and new growth areas. Court Order Hits Traders: Malawi’s High Court barred Burundian traders from returning to Mgona Market in Lilongwe pending a substantive case, after claims of resumed operations and intimidation. Sports (Volleyball): Kenya’s Wafalme Stars booked the CAVB Nations Championship after sweeping Zone Five qualifiers, including a straight-sets win over Burundi. Music Playlist (Burundi Sound): A composer’s playlist highlights Burundi vocal techniques, spotlighting a track titled “Akazéhé Par Deux Jeunes Filles.” Labor Policy Shock (Regional): Kuwait restricted domestic worker recruitment to 10 approved countries and banned 27 others, including Burundi—raising fresh concerns for regional workers.

Gulf Labor Policy: Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior has restricted domestic worker recruitment to just 10 approved countries and banned 27 others, including Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, Rwanda, and the DRC—an abrupt hit to East African house-help and driver migration. Burundi Creative Tech: Burundi’s AFRICA ON MAPPING Festival (June 1–6) turned Bujumbura’s historic sites into immersive digital stages, blending video projections, dance, and poetry to spotlight local storytelling through technology. Fashion Spotlight: Burundian-linked regional fashion energy is in focus as Umina creative Zachary James O’Donnell earns a National Indigenous Fashion Awards nomination in Australia, highlighting weaving turned into wearable art. Regional Sports: Kenya’s Wafalme Stars dominated CAVB Zone Five volleyball qualifiers, sweeping Burundi and booking a spot at the African Nations Championship in Kinshasa. Burundi in Court: Malawi’s High Court has barred Burundian traders from returning to Mgona Market in Lilongwe pending a substantive case, after claims of resumed container business and intimidation. Music & Culture: A new musical, “Basura,” premiered in Atlanta, bringing the Cateura Recycled Instruments Orchestra’s landfill-to-stage story to theatre audiences. Citizenship Shift: More Burundian celebrities are seeking Rwandan citizenship, signaling Rwanda’s growing pull for stability and opportunity.

Theatre & Culture: “Basura,” a new musical built on Paraguay’s Cateura Recycled Instruments Orchestra story, premiered in Atlanta and runs until 12 July 2026, with performances Wednesday–Sunday and tickets from US$25. Fashion: Umina creative Zachary James O’Donnell has been shortlisted for Australia’s National Indigenous Fashion Awards, recognized for innovative weaving turned into wearable art. Burundi Arts & Tech: Bujumbura hosted Africa’s first AFRICA ON MAPPING Festival (June 1–6), using video mapping on historic buildings and pairing projections with dance and poetry for immersive storytelling. Sports (Regional Volleyball): Kenya’s Wafalme Stars dominated CAVB Zone Five qualifiers, sweeping Burundi and finishing with a perfect record to book the Nations Championship spot in Kinshasa. Sports (Football): Burundian-born Nestory Irankunda is highlighted as the changing face of Australia’s Socceroos ahead of the World Cup. Trade & Regional Links: Singapore plans its first FTA with the East African Community bloc (including Burundi), aiming to boost market access and growth. Court Watch: Malawi’s High Court blocks Burundian traders from returning to Mgona Market in Lilongwe pending a substantive case.

Digital Arts & Culture: Burundi’s AFRICA ON MAPPING Festival turned Bujumbura’s historic buildings into giant digital canvases, using video projections, dance and poetry—highlighting a mapping-dance performance that left audiences deeply moved. Sports (Golf): KCB Bank Uganda launched the second KCB East Africa Golf Tournament (“Roar on the Green”), drawing 180+ players from Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi and DRC, with tree-planting sustainability plans. Sports (Football): Burundi’s national team coaching staff gets a boost as former Stoke City striker Saido Berahino joins the setup ahead of the friendly vs Equatorial Guinea. Sports (Volleyball): Kenya’s Wafalme Stars swept Zone Five qualifiers, finishing with a straight-sets win over Burundi, booking a spot at the continental championship in Kinshasa. Regional Arts/Media: A spotlight on Burundian storytelling via video mapping adds momentum to tech-driven creative work in the country. Business/Trade: A Malawi court order blocks Burundian traders from returning to Mgona Market in Lilongwe while a case is pending.

Court & Trade: Malawi’s High Court has barred Burundian traders from returning shipping containers and operating at Mgona Market in Lilongwe while a substantive case is heard, after claims of traders resuming business despite an earlier order, alleged lack of permits, and intimidation. Football & Identity: Nestory Irankunda, son of Burundian parents, is spotlighted as a key face of Australia’s changing Socceroos at the World Cup warm-up build-up. Volleyball & Regional Sport: Kenya’s Wafalme Stars swept Zone Five qualifiers in Kampala, finishing unbeaten and closing with a straight-sets win over Burundi, booking a Nations Championship spot in Kinshasa. Music & Culture: A new playlist feature spotlights Burundi music, praising vocal techniques and percussive breathing on a track from Burundi’s repertoire. Sports Coaching: Former Premier League striker Saido Berahino has joined Burundi’s national team coaching setup ahead of an international friendly vs Equatorial Guinea. Arts & Community: A church concert in the UK raised funds for Burundi-linked good causes, supporting a clergyman’s work with widows, orphans, and young people. Regional Citizenship: More Burundian celebrities and public figures are reportedly seeking Rwandan citizenship, with DJ Ira cited as a notable recent case. International Friendlies: Burundi is listed among teams playing in World Cup warm-up fixtures, including a match vs Equatorial Guinea.

Burundi football: Former Premier League striker Saido Berahino has joined the Burundi national team coaching staff, taking up a new backroom role ahead of the friendly against Equatorial Guinea in Morocco. Regional sports spotlight: Kenya’s Wafalme Stars swept through CAVB Zone Five qualifiers in Kampala with a perfect record, finishing by beating Burundi in straight sets and booking a Nations Championship spot in Kinshasa. Arts & culture: A new playlist spotlight features Burundi music, including a track titled “Akazéhé Par Deux Jeunes Filles,” praised for its layered vocal techniques and percussive breathing. Music and identity: More Burundian celebrities are reportedly seeking Rwandan citizenship, with DJ Ira among notable names—an indicator of shifting regional ties. Public health (regional): Ebola coverage continues to dominate headlines across East Africa, including reports about how the outbreak may have spread for months before being fully recognized. Community arts: A church concert in the UK raised funds for Burundi-related charitable work supporting widows, orphans, and young people.

Volleyball Spotlight: Kenya’s Wafalme Stars swept through CAVB Zone Five qualifiers in Kampala with a perfect record, beating Uganda in a packed Lugogo Indoor Stadium and then finishing by straight-setting Burundi, booking a spot at the 2026 African Nations Championship in Kinshasa (Sept 7–21). Sports & National Pride: Wafalme’s standout trio—Nicholas Matui, Levis Ogutu, and Brian Melly—also took top individual awards (MVP, best middle blocker, best setter), under coach Gideon Tarus. Regional Arts & Culture: A Burundi clergyman’s work for widows, orphans, and youth was highlighted through a church concert in Rotherham, showing how Burundi-linked community support travels far beyond home. Football Coaching Move: Former England youth international Saido Berahino has joined Burundi’s national team coaching staff ahead of an international friendly versus Equatorial Guinea in Morocco. Citizenship & Entertainment Ties: More Burundian celebrities are reportedly seeking Rwandan citizenship, with DJ Ira among those granted status—an ongoing sign of shifting regional cultural and career gravity.

Sports & Culture: Saido Berahino has joined the Burundi national team coaching staff ahead of the friendly against Equatorial Guinea in Morocco, marking a new chapter for the former Stoke City striker and a boost for Burundi football. Regional Arts & Identity: A growing number of Burundian celebrities and public figures are applying for Rwandan citizenship, with DJ Ira among the notable names—an indicator of shifting regional ties and opportunity-seeking. Music Spotlight: Composer Lia Kohl’s playlist highlights Burundi music, including a track featuring striking vocal techniques and layered, percussive breathing—bringing East African sound to a wider audience. Community & Performance: A church concert in Rotherham raised funds for Burundi-focused good causes, including support for a clergyman helping widows, orphans, and young people. Sports Update (Neighboring): Kenya’s Wafalme Stars swept Zone 5 volleyball qualifiers, beating Burundi in straight sets as they chase the continental Nations Championship. International Sports (Burundi on the schedule): Burundi is listed to play Equatorial Guinea in the World Cup warm-up friendly slate.

Volleyball (Burundi-Kenya): Kenya’s Wafalme Stars booked their ticket to the 2026 CAVB Nations Championship in Kinshasa after a perfect run in Zone 5 qualifiers, sweeping Burundi 3-0 (25-19, 25-18, 25-15) and also dominating Uganda, Tanzania and South Sudan; Sports Awards: Nicholas Matui (MVP), Levis Ogutu (best middle blocker) and Brian Melly (best setter) led the awards haul for the tournament’s top performers. Football (Burundi): Former Premier League striker Saido Berahino has joined the Burundi national team coaching staff ahead of the friendly vs Equatorial Guinea, bringing international experience back to the country he pledged to represent. Music (Burundi in the spotlight): A Burundi-themed track makes Lia Kohl’s “ListN Up” playlist, highlighting the vocal techniques and layered harmonies of a traditional Burundi collection. Culture & Community (Burundi connection abroad): A church concert in Rotherham raised funds for a Burundi clergyman supporting widows, orphans and young people, showing how Burundi’s community work travels. Regional Citizenship (Arts & public life): More Burundian celebrities are seeking Rwandan citizenship, with DJ Ira among those granted status—an arts-and-media story that reflects shifting regional ties. International sport schedule (Burundi match): World Cup warm-up coverage lists Burundi vs Equatorial Guinea as a key friendly on the day’s slate.

Burundi Sports: Former Premier League striker Saido Berahino has joined the Burundi national team coaching staff, linking up with manager Patrick Sangwa Mayani ahead of the friendly vs Equatorial Guinea on June 4 in Morocco. Regional Arts & Culture: A Burundi music highlight is making waves abroad: Chicago-based composer Lia Kohl’s playlist spotlights “Akazéhé Par Deux Jeunes Filles,” praising its layered vocal techniques and percussive breathing. Football & Entertainment Calendar: International friendlies include Burundi vs Equatorial Guinea (listed for June 4), alongside major World Cup warmups like France vs Ivory Coast and Spain vs Iraq. Music & Identity: The rise of Konpa in East Africa is framed as a reconnection of roots, with Haitian hitmaker Paska describing how the genre found local audiences through dance spaces before going mainstream. Human Rights & Media: In Bujumbura, a Congolese analyst, Babunga Benjamin Watuna, was arrested by Burundian intelligence, with an open letter urging President Ndayishimiye and the AU to oppose any extradition to the DRC.

Ebola & Public Health: A new Osterholm Update episode revisits how Ebola responses must stay vigilant, as the wider outbreak in the DRC and spillover risks keep dominating regional health conversations. Regional Citizenship & Music: Burundian celebrities are increasingly applying for Rwandan citizenship, with DJ Ira’s quick naturalization highlighting how stability and opportunity are pulling artists across the border. Football (Burundi): Former Premier League striker Saido Berahino has joined the Burundi national team coaching staff, bringing fresh experience ahead of the team’s friendly run. Sports (Burundi on TV): Today’s international slate includes Burundi vs Equatorial Guinea, putting local fans in the spotlight during World Cup warm-up season. Arts & Community Fundraising: A church concert in the UK raised money for Burundi-focused good causes, including support for widows, orphans, and young people. Security & Rights (Burundi): An open letter urges Burundi not to extradite Congolese analyst Babunga Benjamin Watuna, after his arrest in Bujumbura linked to fears of political persecution.

Volleyball Spotlight: Kenya’s Wafalme Stars are closing in on a 2026 CAVB Nations Championship spot after beating Uganda in straight sets at Lugogo Indoor Stadium, but they still need wins in their remaining matches, including a final round-robin clash with Burundi. World Cup Warmups (Burundi on the schedule): Burundi are set to play Equatorial Guinea in today’s World Cup warmup slate, with other friendlies also lined up across the day. Football (Burundi coaching news): Former Premier League striker Saido Berahino has joined the Burundi national team coaching staff, bringing fresh experience ahead of upcoming international fixtures. Human Rights (Burundi/DRC tensions): An open letter urges Burundi’s president not to extradite Congolese analyst Babunga Benjamin Watuna, after his arrest in Bujumbura linked to alleged criticism of the DRC government. Ebola Watch (regional health pressure): Reports highlight how Ebola response and information-sharing are under strain across the Great Lakes, with Burundi listed among countries assessed at risk.

Burundi Football: Former Premier League striker Saido Berahino, 32, has joined the Burundi national team coaching staff, linking up with manager Patrick Sangwa Mayani ahead of the June 4 friendly vs Equatorial Guinea in Morocco—an exciting homecoming for a player who switched allegiance to Burundi and earned 18 caps. World Cup Warmups (Burundi fans watching the schedule): Today’s slate includes France vs Ivory Coast and Spain vs Iraq, plus a broader warmup list that also features Burundi vs Equatorial Guinea at 12 noon ET. Ebola & Regional Health: Reports keep highlighting the fast-moving Ebola situation in eastern DRC and the wider regional risk, while Kenya’s plans for Ebola quarantine facilities for US citizens face protests and legal challenges—an issue that also resonates across the Great Lakes. Human Rights in Burundi-DRC Ties: An open letter urges Burundi’s president to oppose any extradition of Congolese analyst Babunga Benjamin Watuna, after his arrest in Bujumbura linked to accusations tied to DRC security and free expression. Arts & Culture (Community): A church concert in the UK raised funds for Burundi-linked good causes, including support for a Burundi clergyman working with widows, orphans, and youth.

Football & Talent Pipeline: Saido Berahino has joined the Burundi national team coaching staff, taking a front-line backroom role ahead of an international friendly against Equatorial Guinea on June 4 in Morocco, adding fresh experience after a long pro career and his pledge to represent Burundi. Sports (Volleyball): Wafalme Stars face Uganda at Lugogo Indoor Stadium in Kampala for their second 2026 Africa Senior Nations Championship qualifier, after starting with a 3-0 win over Tanzania and aiming to keep momentum in a rivalry match that could shape the group. Arts & Community Fundraising: A church concert in Rotherham raised money for two good causes, including support for a Burundi clergyman working with widows, orphans and young people, showing how Burundi-linked community work is reaching beyond borders. Ebola & Regional Health Tensions: Multiple reports keep spotlighting the fast-moving Ebola crisis in Central/East Africa, including Burundi’s place in regional risk lists and wider calls for stronger preparedness and community engagement as fear and misinformation complicate response. Human Rights & Governance: An open letter urges Burundi’s president not to extradite Congolese analyst Babunga Benjamin Watuna, after his arrest in Bujumbura, with signatories warning the case could be tied to suppression of critical voices. Culture & Identity: Africa Day celebrations and participatory art initiatives across the region continue to highlight shared heritage and unity through music, drumming, and public creative projects.

Football & Talent Pipeline: Former Premier League striker Saido Berahino has joined the Burundi national team coaching staff, taking a front-line backroom role with manager Patrick Sangwa Mayani ahead of an international friendly against Equatorial Guinea on June 4 in Morocco. Sports (Regional Volleyball): Kenya’s Wafalme Stars face Uganda at Lugogo Indoor Stadium in Kampala for their second 2026 Africa Senior Nations Championship qualifier, after starting with a 3-0 win over Tanzania. Arts & Community Giving: A church concert in Rotherham raised funds for St Cuthbert’s and to support a Burundi clergyman’s work helping widows, orphans and young people. Burundi-Linked Human Rights: An open letter urges Burundi’s president not to extradite Congolese researcher Babunga Benjamin Watuna to the DRC, citing concerns over freedom of expression and political persecution. Ebola & Public Health (Regional Impact): Coverage continues on the escalating Ebola situation in Central Africa, with Burundi and the wider region repeatedly flagged in risk discussions and preparedness efforts.