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The analysis of the recent economic and social situation in Rwanda and Burundi is one of the traditional ingredients of our yearbook. The resemblance between both countries is remarkable: both countries have been confronted with internal strife and violence and the overpopulation in both countries leads to a lack of land and other natural resources, which limits the economic opportunities for the majority of the population that is engaged in the agricultural sector. However, when we look at the actual socio-economic evolutions both in Rwanda and Burundi, there exist large differences. In Rwanda, all indices measuring human welfare improved during the post-conflict period, be it from a historical low level in the aftermath of civil war and genocide. Also, the economic situation seems promising with an average growth per capita of 5.22% in that period. In Burundi, on the other hand, the human indicators reflect a worsening humanitarian crisis. The very small improvements on the economic level can only be defined as a stabilisation. Little optimism is allowed, considering the very volatile situation. These large differences between the two countries are mainly caused by two factors. First, Burundi is confronted with a ongoing civil war that undermines all economic and humanitarian accomplishments. The “armed peace” in Rwanda has stabilised the country, which allows improvements on different levels. On the other hand the difference in commitment of the international community also partly explains the different outcomes. Rwanda still receives a prolonged “genocide credit” and is much more appreciated by the international donor community, although its treatment as a favored nation has somewhat waned lately. Moreover this country could participate in different IMF initiatives, such as the HIPC initiative and the PRSP process. Burundi on the other hand is still treated as an international outcast. Although a modest engagement of the international community has been noticeable during the last years, Burundi does certainly not have the same access to international resources as its neighbour.
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