BURUNDI, HIGH-RISK RESOURCEFULNESS | France 5 | Les Routes de l'Impossible

Small in size but immense in the energy of its people, Burundi carves out a path between three powerful neighbors, lacking in resources but brimming with extraordinary determination. In this country often overlooked by the spotlight, every journey tells a story of ingenuity, courage, and tradition.

In both rural and urban areas, daily life is marked by economic challenges. But in the face of adversity, Burundians deploy a wealth of inventiveness to provide for their families. Among them is Donatien, 58, an extraordinary cyclist. With more than 200 kilos of bananas on his bike, he travels the country’s main highway several times a week. In extreme conditions, between sharp turns and heavy traffic, he braves the road with composure and method, sometimes clinging to the back of trucks to conserve his strength. It is a difficult job, but one that is essential to the local economy.

Many Burundians cross the border to work in the Democratic Republic of Congo. After weeks spent in the fields, on construction sites, or in mines, they return crammed into the back of trucks, standing or sitting on the dump beds. These overloaded vehicles must navigate muddy and slippery roads, where each trip becomes a mechanical and human feat.

The roads of Burundi are a reflection of its people: winding, sometimes unpredictable, but always traveled with pride. For here, daily efforts are combined with a unique cultural richness.

True national emblems, the drums of Burundi have resonated across the hills for centuries. Venerated as living treasures, they are the beating heart of major ceremonies. Etienne, a master drummer, passionately perpetuates this art. He initiates his son Albert in the sacred forest, hoping to shield him from bad influences and guide him toward a path of stability and pride.

Burundian youth, too, show surprising maturity. Like 10-year-old Passy, many children get involved in family or craft activities from an early age. While conditions are harsh, they reveal a sense of community, hard work, and intergenerational solidarity that is rarely matched.