This archive report was first published on 12 June 2020.
As the world grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries have implemented measures to slow its spread, including social distancing and curfews. However, in Burundi, authorities have taken a different approach, ignoring these directives and allowing citizens to mingle freely.
But now, Burundians are being forced to observe a new set of rules, not related to the pandemic. In a letter, Mayor of Bujumbura Freddy Mbonimpa announced that all leisure activities have been suspended in the capital city following the death of former President Pierre Nkurunziza on June 8.
According to the letter, all bars, restaurants, salons, and other places of gatherings will remain closed. Furthermore, only gospel songs will be allowed, as stated in the letter: 'During this period of national mourning leisure activities are suspended. In particular music in bistros, restaurants, hairdressing salons, car launches or walkers and all other places of gatherings. Only songs that praise God are allowed.'
The unusual mourning rules come as a surprise, especially considering the government's previous lack of concern for the coronavirus. Just days before the national general election, the government ordered the removal of a World Health Organisation (WHO) team that was in the country to respond to the pandemic.
It remains to be seen how long these unusual mourning rules will be in place, but for now, Burundians are being forced to adapt to a new set of rules in the wake of President Nkurunziza's death.
