Country Description:

CARE originally established an office in Burundi in 1994 to help people affected by civil unrest. Its initial program focused on distribution of non-food items to internally displaced people and returning refugees in the northern part of the country. During the following years of upheaval within the Great Lakes region, CARE managed refugee camps inside the country and across the border in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. After successfully conducting democratic elections, Burundi’s new government now has many challenges, not only that of rebuilding both infrastructure and the economy but also rebuilding governance structures and a climate of trust amongst the population. Post-war, CARE supports civil society and in particular women to take a more active role in moving Burundi towards peace and economic security.