Burundi bans women on drums

BUJUMBURA: With all the problems Burundi is facing, including accusations of massive human rights abuses and political unrest, the country has decided to focus on banning drumming at unofficial events, the BBC reported.

The ban is an attempt by the country to preserve the purity of the age-old practice that is internationally recognised.

The rituals are said to awaken the spirits of the ancestors and drive out evil spirits.

All groups seeking to perform “cultural shows” must now register with the ministry of culture and are not allowed to perform outside of official ceremonies without permission, a decree signed by President Pierre Nkurunziza says.

It also bans women from playing drums.

“It is strictly forbidden to those of the female sex to beat drums. They can, however, carry out female folk dances accompanying the drums,” the decree states.- ANA