Burundians on Sunday joined the global Christian community in celebrating Christmas, but the festive spirit was subdued by widespread economic hardship and soaring prices of essential goods. Across the country, many households struggled to make ends meet, making it difficult to fully embrace the joy of the holiday season.
In the southern province of Makamba, residents lamented the sharp increase in food prices, which have severely strained their daily lives. A kilogram of rice, which once cost 3,500 BIF, now sells for 5,000 BIF, while the price of beans has doubled to 4,000 BIF per kilogram. Sweet potatoes, once priced at 500 BIF per bundle, now cost 2,000 BIF.
“It’s impossible to manage daily meals, let alone celebrate Christmas,” said one resident. Another added, “With 10,000 BIF, we can hardly buy enough food for a single day. We urge the government to address the rising costs.”
These struggles were not only felt by consumers but also by traders, who reported significantly lower sales compared to previous Christmas seasons. A fish vendor in Makamba attributed the decline to high transportation costs, which have been exacerbated by fuel shortages and the depreciation of the Burundian currency against the Tanzanian shilling.
In Gitega, the country’s political capital, residents expressed concerns over a persistent shortage of BRARUDI beverages, a holiday staple. Authorities have been cracking down on price speculation, but scarcity continues to be a pressing issue. However, in Ruyigi, residents commended government measures that ensured beverages like Primus and Amstel were sold at official prices of 2,500 BIF and 3,500 BIF, respectively, when available.
The economic challenges, including fuel shortages and inflation, continue to affect nearly every sector in Burundi. Despite President Evariste Ndayishimiye’s earlier assurances that the cost of living in Burundi is lower than in neighboring countries, many disagree. This month, the Conference of Catholic Bishops of Burundi expressed concern over escalating poverty and rising prices, urging the government to take swift action to ease the burden on families.
At Regina Mundi Cathedral in Burundi’s economic capital, Bujumbura, Archbishop Gervais Banshimiyubusa called on Christians to share generously, uphold justice, and bring joy and peace to others, despite the difficult times.
“Make it a habit to help those around you, whether they are close to you or not, and cultivate a heart of generosity whenever possible. Prioritize justice, for the one who has come is our righteousness, and that is His name. Also, embody love in your sharing of the blessings God has granted you, for the one you welcome at Christmas is love itself,” the Archbishop said during the Christmas Mass on Sunday.
“Even if you have nothing tangible to share, bring joy and peace to others. May the child Jesus, born among us, fill you with peace and happiness as you celebrate His birth,” he added.
Moïse Ndayiragije and Vianney Bitangimana contributed reporting
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