Assessing the Political Risks in the Mining Sector of Burundi

The article explores the political risks that affect the mining sector of Burundi and attempts to posit the scenarios that can emanate from such an environment. This article uses a qualitative research approach and an explorative research design. This desktop research obtained data from academic books, journal articles, working papers, credible online sites, and news articles. The key findings are that ethnicity and dictatorship have seriously and negatively affected the mining sector of the country. Burundi has experienced and is experiencing political instability because of ethnic divisions between Hutus and Tutsis and contested presidential terms in office. Consequently, the tension has negatively affected overall economic performance. Ethnic bias in policymaking has sparked widespread resentment as the Hutu and Tutsi fight against unjust policymaking practices, resulting in intense political instability that has posed risks in numerous developmental and economic sectors, including the mining sector. The instability has pulled the country away from the international arena and investment opportunities since investors tend to be wary of investing in such an unstable political and economic climate. The study therefore recommends that both Hutu and Tutsi leaders promulgate policies that overlook ethnic differences, managing the ethnic differences in the country will result in fair policymaking.