Is Burundi finally coming back in from the cold?

Burundi seems to be headed towards renewed relations with the international community. Earlier this month, the European Union lifted economic sanctions, following in the footsteps of the United States.

The EU says its decision was inspired by what it described as “peaceful political processes”, that started with successful general elections in May 2020 which Evariste Ndayishimiye won following the death of president Pierre Nkurunziza who died from cardiac arrest.

With the sanctions lifted, Burundi will once again start receiving much needed financial aid from EU, among other things to help rebuild its battered economy. There is much work to do. And some are concerned about the approach of the international community. So how is the road to recovery for Burundi? And are its residents starting to feel any benefits?

Alan Kasujja speaks to the BBC’s Prime Ndikumagenge and Human Rights Watch’s Mausi Segun