Challenges and Opportunities in Arts and Humanities Post-Conflict Contexts: A Burundian Perspective

Burundi has faced multiple challenges in its post-conflict recovery, including political instability, economic hardship, and social unrest. The research employs qualitative interviews with local artists and community leaders to understand the role of arts and humanities in post-conflict contexts. A notable theme emerging from the interviews was the struggle between preserving traditional cultural practices versus adapting them for contemporary use, reflecting a dynamic tension within Burundian society. Arts and humanities play a crucial but complex role in aiding recovery by both reinforcing communal values and providing spaces for dialogue across conflict divides. Support should be directed towards fostering intergenerational dialogues that balance tradition with innovation, while also prioritising community-led initiatives to ensure authenticity and relevance.