Country Demographics:

• Population:  6.3 million
• Religions:  Christian 67% (Roman Catholic 62%, Protestant 5%), Indigenous beliefs 23%, Muslim 10%
• Income Per Capita:  $113.57 year/ $0.32 day
• Government Type:  Republic
  Chief of State:  President Domitien NDAYIZEYE (since April 2003)
  Head of Government: President Domitien NDAYIZEYE (since April 2003)

Legal Profession:

• Estimated number of lawyers in Burundi is 1000
• Estimated number of believers involved in the legal profession is 20
• There is no official Christian lawyers’ group in Burundi. Nevertheless, 10 Christian lawyers meet regularly for fellowship and leading law student groups. The Christian lawyers of Burundi began their activities in 2003 after connecting with Advocates International, but their law student meetings began in 1995.  As of yet, the group does not have a designated leader, however Mr. Jonathan Nahimana and Mr. Vianey Ndayishimiye are currently sharing leadership responsibilities.

Major Activities of Christian Lawyers:

AI’s lawyers in Burundi are involved in the following activities:

• Organizing prayer meetings
• Evangelism among law students
• Mobilizing lawyers to join the Christian lawyers’ fellowship time
• Reading the electoral code of Burundi in order to propose appropriate Christian sensitive amendments

Convocation Goals:

• The Global Convocation organized by AI will be a good opportunity for the Burundi lawyers to share their experiences with other participants.

Prayer Items:

• Ceasefire between the opposition movements in the country, and the repatriation of refugees to their homes
• Implementation of the Arusha Peace Accords by the transitional government
• Initiating presidential elections before the month of October 2004
• Reconstructing the country in general and organizing a national army
• God’s guidance and the provision of insight to Christian deputies working on the electoral code project   
• Organizing an active Christian Lawyers Network in Burundi and a strong commitment to fellowship among Christian lawyers

Contact Information:

• Jonathan Nahimana jonaminani@yahoo.fr