A Catholic charity is urging the Vatican not to forget about Burundi, saying peace in the East-Central African nation remains “fragile”.

Aid to the Church in Needs’ head of projects for francophone countries in Central Africa, Maxime François-Marsal, says Barundi’s president, Évariste Ndayishimiye, recognises the Vatican's significant role in fostering peace and reconciliation among the Burundian populace, which has resulted in a delicate peace.

However, François-Marsal pointed out that political violence remains a growing concern within the country.

Burundi gained independence in 1962, but Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) warns that the scars of past genocides remain.

The country has experienced three genocides and several violent clashes between the Hutu and Tutsi ethnic groups.

The charity has stressed the need to establish human rights to heal divisions.

"Internal tensions and external circumstances risk impacting all human rights," François-Marsal said.

He underscored the importance of education and formation processes for those who will shape the Church's life and development in Burundi.

“Particular attention must therefore be paid to the education and formation process of those who will be the actors of the life of the Church and of development in the country.”

He added: “There is a climate of distrust everywhere, even among friends and families.

“I was told that people never invite their friends to their homes, because they fear that they could then know their house and hunt them down whenever the next civil war starts.”