The State of LGBTQ+ Rights in Burundi, and How You Can Help
By Christine Kinori
The Burundian Government criminalizes homosexual relationships, and any man or woman found guilty of same-sex activities risks prison imprisonment for two years and heavy fines. As a result, LGBTQ+ people in Burundi are constantly subject to discrimination, extortion, violence, abuse, harassment, and stigmatization in Burundi. Since 2009, same-sex relationships have been illegal in Burundi following the passing of the Penal Code 2009, and same-sex marriages are banned under Article 29 of the constitution. In 2011, the Burundian minister of Education introduced an authoritative order punishing a year of school suspension for any students found guilty of practicing homosexuality in schools. These laws increase stigma in the country and make it impossible for LGBTQ+ victims to seek help from the police or other legal organizations in the country when they are victims of crimes.
Following the criminality of same sex attraction in Burundi, there is evidence of LGBTQ+ people being arrested and charged, with some serving prison time. For instance, in February 2023, 24 people were arrested as part of a crackdown on homosexual practices, which were termed as a security threat. The people arrested were attending an HIV/AIDS seminar and were part of a non-profit organization known as MUCO Burundi. The organizers were accused of encouraging same-sex relationships among adolescents. According to ILGA World, anti-LGBTQ laws in Burundi have been enforced in at least 12 cases following the provision of criminalization between 2009 and 2021.
The crackdown, prosecution, and persecution of LGBTQ+ people have been on the rampant rise in recent months in the country after the President said that gay people should be stoned. The President described relationships between same-sex couples as an “abominable act,” saying, “I think if we see these kinds of individuals in Burundi, we should put them in a stadium and stone them. And it would not be a sin for those who do,” although the President’s remarks have not been backed by the law since, the statements are provocative and directed towards the LGBTQ+ community in Burundi.
In his speech in December 2023, President Ndayishimiye accused the Western nations of corrupting the morals of the otherwise Christian country. In his view, legalizing homosexuality is attracting a curse upon the country, and he will not allow the Western countries to press Burundi to allow for Gay rights. After the President launched the anti-gay tirade, the crackdown is said to be extended to airports and customs since the President said that Burundians living abroad who have chosen to practice homosexuality should not be allowed into the country.
In this regard, homosexuality is treated as a taboo in Burundi, and sources in ILGA World indicate that the communities have forced people out of their homes because of their sexual orientation. It is common for these sexual minorities in the country to be threatened in the streets or insulted through verbal attacks and sometimes even physical abuse. Reports from organizations on human rights watch in the country indicate that stereotyping resulting from the homophobic legislation in the country has led to students being expelled from schools and others facing increased social pressures in their workplaces.
Overall, the LGBTQ+ community in Burundi lives in constant fear of the negative consequences they have to face if their sexuality is exposed or even suspected. The constitutional ban on same-sex marriages and the criminalization of the same under the Penal Code 2009 is already a big blow to consensual same-sex relationships in the country. Therefore, the President’s remarks on stoning gay people set the stage for the legalization of extrajudicial killings, worsening an already unsafe environment for the community in the country.
We can help our Burundian sisters and brothers in this situation by supporting non-governmental organizations such as Amera International. These NGOs provide necessary resources for the LGBTQ+ communities and give them a haven. The psycho-social support and medical care they provide is essential for queer Burundians.
About the Author:
Christine Siamanta Kinori grew up in a little village in Kenya known as Loitoktok near the border of Kenya and Tanzania. All she wanted to do when she grew up was to explore the world. Her curiosity led her to join Nairobi University to pursue a degree in Journalism and Mass Communications. She later got a job with an amazing travel magazine Nomad Africa which gave her the opportunity to explore Africa. She also writes for numerous travel websites about Africa and tries to create a new narrative in the media about our aesthetic continent.
Christine claims to have somewhat unhealthy addiction to TV and reading, as it is a fun way to keep herself occupied during the long journeys for her travel writing. She is also a believer of letting people be their beautiful selves. To her, love is love and it is the greatest gift we have as humans.
