Burundi signs El Niño plan as 630.2 billion francs needed for 4.7 million people
The government has so far committed 10 billion francs, far short of the estimated total cost of the response.
Burundi's government and the United Nations resident coordinator in Burundi, Violette Kakyomya, signed a joint declaration on Friday, 13 November 2026, on an operational plan for the El Niño phenomenon covering 2026 to 2027. The plan estimates the total cost of needs at 630.2 billion Burundian francs (BIF).
About 4.7 million people are exposed to flood risks and other known shocks, according to a risk analysis carried out jointly by the National Platform for Risk Prevention and Disaster Management and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Foreign Affairs Minister Edouard Bizimana said the first disasters, including strong winds, torrential rains, hail and floods, have already been recorded in some regions. Seasonal forecasts for September to December 2026 point to above-normal rainfall across all natural regions.
The government has already set aside a package of 10 billion BIF, although it had earlier announced 20 billion BIF on 29 October. Bizimana said the 10 billion francs was only a start and that the government is still raising funds from development partners, diplomats, the private sector and international organisations.
Why it mattersFarmers and families in flood-prone areas face the risk of losing crops and homes, and the response is still short of funds, with the government saying the total cost is 630.2 billion BIF.