30 June 2025
On 25 and 26 June 2025, the Luxembourg Red Cross had the honour of welcoming Anselme Katiyunguruza, secretary general of the Burundi Red Cross, as part of a working visit dedicated to humanitarian aid. The visit provided an opportunity to strengthen the links between the two national societies and to exchange views on common perspectives for humanitarian cooperation.
During the two-day visit, several working meetings were organised with the International Aid teams, as well as a meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to review the progress of joint projects and consider future avenues for collaboration.
The Luxembourg Red Cross has been present in Burundi since 2009, actively supporting actions in the fields of humanitarian housing and the environment, two major areas of intervention in a context that is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change.
Last year’s highlights included:
– The construction of almost 200 sustainable homes, equipped with latrines and kitchens, for families living in very precarious conditions.
– The refurbishment of 100 houses and the construction of 400 improved stoves (reducing wood consumption by a factor of three), improving quality of life and reducing health risks.
– Environmental protection through the planting of a million trees to combat landslides, improve the resilience of ecosystems and reduce the impact of climate change on local populations.
The visit was an opportunity to salute these significant advances. Anselme Katiyunguruza emphasised:
“We are the victims of an unexpected landslide. We no longer have any houses or land to farm. Fortunately, the Red Cross has just built us some temporary shelters. We love the volunteers. They live with us and are able to mobilise the power of humanity at local and international level.“
A strong dynamic, supported by a long-standing partnership, serving the most vulnerable populations.
Anselme Katiyunguruza, Secretary General of the Burundi Red Cross, accompanied by Dr Robert Goerens, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the International Aid of the Luxembourg Red Cross, and Lionel Tatenou, Burundi desk in Luxembourg. Meeting with representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In Burundi, our humanitarian teams are helping returnees from Tanzania and Rwanda to find accommodation. Discover the stories of Emmanuel, Evariste, Gervais, Fabiola and their families:
