Marie-Louise Sibazuri

Marie-Louise Sibazuri (born 2 January 1960) is a Burundian women's rights activist and teacher who has devoted her time to writing since 1993. In addition to becoming a prolific playwright, she is widely known as the author of the popular radio series Umumbanyi Niwe Muryango (Our Neighbours Are Our Family), a soap opera which sets out to improve relations between Tutsis and Hutus following the conflicts of the mid-1990s. After spending several years in Belgium where she was active in the theatre, she has now moved to Australia with her second husband, Hilaire Bucumi. She is currently writing collections of Burundian folk tales.

Early life Born on 2 January 1960 in the Kayanza Province of northern Burundi, Marie-Louise Sibazuri completed her school education at a Catholic secondary school. While there, after taking the part of Sganarelle in Molière one act play, she was inspired her to write a play herself when only 14. She went on to qualify as a teacher and then a librarian.

The Sibazuri family home was burnt down and her husband was brutally attacked by political opponents. The following year, the couple decided to move to Belgium with their children. and the following year she was appointed ambassador for Francophonie, i.e. in support of the French language.

After spending several years in Belgium where she was active in the theatre, she has now moved to Australia with her second husband, Hilaire Bucumi.