In Burundi, shortages and power cuts slow a return from international isolation

abcnews.go.com:

Burundi seems to be running short of everything but patience

BUJUMBURA, Burundi — Burundi seems to be running short of everything but patience.

A deadly nationwide political crackdown in the East African nation is now in the past. But the return to international favor, and benefits like development assistance that come with it, has been slow. As always, everyday citizens feel it most.

It’s never been easy in landlocked Burundi, which at times has been described as the world’s poorest country, according to United Nations figures.

The list of commodities in short supply in recent months has ranged from fuel to sugar. But an electricity shortage is hitting the hardest, slowing attempts at economic recovery.

Power outages occur every day, often for more than two hours at a time, unusual even in a region where many governments struggle to meet electricity demand.

The years of being relatively offline from some key international partners have taken a toll. Current President Evariste Ndayishimiye has vowed reforms, and slowly, partners like the European Union and United States have eased sanctions.

Burundi has been on a path of relative stability. In January, the World Bank announced a new grant of up to $40 million to help the government avert acute commodity shortages. The project focuses on improving the credibility of Burundi’s financial system.

Also in January, however, complications arose. Burundi closed its border with Rwanda, accusing its neighbor of backing rebels, which Rwanda denied. Burundian authorities have said the border closure is not responsible for the widespread commodity shortages as most trade comes in via Congo, but an important trading partner has been affected.

Burundi has few exports and is heavily