President Nkurunziza bans Burundian female drummers

The decree, which was signed on 20 October by Nkurunziza and released on 2 November, read: “It is strictly forbidden for women to beat the drum. However, they can perform female folk dances accompanying the drums."

Performing groups will not be allowed to put on shows without authorisation from the Ministry of Culture. In addition, all groups seeking to perform cultural shows must register and pay $280.

This news was received with hostility by Burundians who took to Twitter to express their frustration. The majority of them believe this action to be a major setback for Burundian female drummers venturing into what is a male-dominated field.

"This is violation of Article 13, 22, of the Constitution," human rights activist Dominique Simbare wrote. 

According to Article 13 of the Constitution of the Republic of Burundi, all Burundians are equal in [their] merits and dignity. All citizens enjoy the same rights and have the right to the same protection of the law. No Burundian may be excluded from the social, economic or political life of the nation because of their race, language, religion, sex or ethnic origin. Subsequently Article 22 states that all citizens are equal before the law, which assures them equal protection. No one may be subject to discrimination.

"This decree means the drums no longer belong to Burundian citizens but to the government," Pacifique Nininahazwe, an exiled civil society leader, said.