Burundi's president calls for solidarity for hunger victims in northern region

Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza has called for national solidarity for hunger victims in the country's northern province of Kirundo, where some 4,000 households have left their homes.

"I call for national solidarity for victims of hunger in Kirundo province," the president made the appeal over weekend.

"Food is being collected throughout all the provinces of Burundi. In a couple of days, food will be distributed to you," Nkurunziza told residents at Bugabira, one of the districts hit by hunger.

Nkurunziza called on residents at Bugabira who still have some food items to share them with those who are suffering from hunger.

He advised residents in Kirundo province to protect the environment in order to prevent drought which is at the origin of hunger in that area.

"This province (of Kirundo) used to be Burundi's main producer of food items. You have to avoid activities that cause climate change or environmental degradation. That is why we request you to plant trees and to safeguard agricultural production," said Nkurunziza.

Kirundo Governor Melchior Nankwahomba said that about 4,000 households from Bugabira and Busoni districts have already left their homes, fleeing hunger.

He added that they left for neighboring provinces or Tanzania. Endit