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Practiced during reunions, particularly between mothers and daughters, akazehe allows powerful emotional bonds to be forged. Modernization and public health measures have gradually led to a reduction in its practice. Experts in the cultural sector warn of the risk disappearance of akazehe, which could harm social cohesion.
Practiced during reunions, particularly between mothers and daughters, akazehe allows powerful emotional bonds to be forged. Modernization and public health measures have gradually led to a decline in its practice. Experts in the cultural sector warn of the risk of disappearance of akazehe, which could harm social cohesion.
Despite this decline, some elders, like Sylvie Mbonimpa, 76, continue to teach Akazehe, in the hope of preserving this vital tradition for future generations. “With modernization, this greeting tradition has lost its value. But as elders, we fight to teach it to young people so that they perpetuate Burundian culture. “, she explains.
The practice, although in decline since 1996, remains an important source of well-being for women affected by political instability following a period of deadly civil war in Burundi. Akazehe has been recognized by UNESCO for promoting peace and cultural values.