ISSUE NO. 4 www.africaworldnewsbdi.com
“Unless the hunted gives their account, the story of the hunt will always favour the hunter.”
14TH to 20 TH JULY 2016
NEWS
BURUNDI
Burundi Celebrates 54th independence anniversary amid political tension ‘
If there were no brave men during the coup attempt of 13 May 2015, today we would not be celebrating this independence. President Pierre Nkurunziza. BURUNDI 54TH ANNIVERSARY
By Africaworld News Team
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urundi celebrated on July 1, 2016 the 54th anniversary of its independence. The anniversary came as more than 250,000 Burundians fled the country fearing the political crisis due to the disputed third term of President Pierre Nkurunziza. In his official speech, President Pierre Nkurunziza has described as “cons-examples of the independence of Burundi” those who were involved in the failed coup of 13th May 2015. Continued on Page 5
On the other pages Special Report: Why Unemployed Youth are not allowed to move to downtown Page 7
UPD party to leave the platform of the opposition, CNARED
Page 2 Page 3
Minister of energy assesses progress after 54years of existence
Africaworld News Press Release on its Launch Page 9
Guests and other dignitaries nsitted at the dias during the 54th Burundi anniversary . Photo: Courtesy
World Bank to give $ 22 million to Burundi for good governance
By Correspondent
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urundi MP’S unanimously adopted on Wednesday a bill to receive a donation f r o m t h e Wo r l d Bank amounting to $ 22 million for the project Institutional Capacity Building for Government Effectiveness (PRCIEG). For the Minister to the Presidency in charge of Good Governance and Planning, Serge Ndayiragije, “the objective of developing the project is to improve budget management
strengthening the systems and procedures in priority areas of the government.” He said that there are four components of these priority areas, namely the mobilization of public revenues, control of public expenditure, the mining sector management
and statistics to ensure the development of effective public policy in Burundi. He reassured Burundian MPs that the project is in the macroeconomic environment and institutional Burundi, and provide the essential conditions to release the country’s growth potential
and to tackle the sources of its chronic weakness. M r. N d a y i r a g i j e explained that there is a lack of fiscal space that limits the prospects for accelerated economic growth and poverty reduction, which makes the country vulnerable to external shocks. Moreover, the minister added, “because of the decline in external assistance expected in the coming years, Burundi must find a way to finance its development and accelerate economic growth by diversifying its economy and a recovery in productivity in key areas.”
BURUNDI
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General News:
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UPD party to leave the platform of the opposition, CNARED By Anglebert Niyoyitungira
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he UPD party decides to leave CNARED, a platform of the opposition in Burundi. In a correspondence signed Marina Barampama, Secretary of UPD Zigamibanga, they have decided to leave that platform because they are not consulted before taking very important decisions. This happens after Husssein Radjabu, historic leader of CNDD-FDD took the same decision. This withdrawal occurs a few days before the resumption of the Inter-Burundi Dialogue in Arusha, Tanzania. Jérémie Minani, commissioner in charge of communication
in CNARED said: “This withdrawal is not a surprise.” Since Radjabu has left CNARED, “UPD-Zigamibanga was not more involved in our meetings,” he said. Chauvineau Mugwengezo, honorary President
of UPD considers that as a lie. He explained that the UPD has just left the platform of the opposition, Cnared
“simply because he was despised and rejected of governing bodies, despite the important role he played in the mobilization against the third term of President Pierre Nkurunziza.” However, while CNARED decided not to participate in recent Inter-Burundi Dialogue in Arusha, Tanzania saying it was not invited as an entity, UPD and some other political parties gathered in CNARED chose to take part in it.
Anniversary Pictorial By Africaworld News Team & Getty Images
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Picture Caption: 1. Traditional Dancers Entertain guests . 2. An Acrobat performing during the annivessary 3. The public following the proceedings keenly in Bujumbura during the 54th anniverssary 4. Burundi Army during the celebrations past a presidential dias 5. President Pierre Nkurunziza at the presidential dias 6. Residents of Burundi arriving at the venue of celebrations in a jovial mood to grace the occassion while carrrying their National Flag
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Musics Bosco Niganza, leader of the group "Peace and Love" dies in a car accident.
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General News:
13th - 20th July 2016
The Minister of energy assesses theprogress of Regideso after 54years of existence By Gédéon Ndayiragije after the 5 4 years creation of
Regideso, the minister of energy and mines assesses its progress. Burundi recorded a rate of access to energy of 10%, said on June 29, 2016 the Minister of Energy and Mines, Mr. Manirakiza Côme, during the celebration of the day dedicated to electricity. During the presentation of the history of this institution, the Minister Côme Manirakiza stated that it was established on 23rd June 1962 under the name of “water and electricity board” after the dissolution of the colonial society “Forces of the East” which managed the hydroelectric plants of Ruzizi I Kivu and in Rwanda to fuel Ntaruka eastern Congo, Burundi and Rwanda; and the hydropower plant to supply Bendera northern Katanga. At the time, only the cities of Bujumbura and Gitega were connected to electricity. Bujumbura was connected to the power grid in eastern Kivu and the extra energy provided by the Bujumbura dieselbased power plant with a power of 5.5 MW. That of Gitega was connected to the diesel-based power plant with an output of 0, 56MW, according to the Minister in charge
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PRESS The CNC launches registration of all Burundi Journalists By Anglebert Niyoyitungira
The National Communication Council officially launched on June 24, 2016, a registration campaign for all journalists and media technicians working in Burundi.
of Energy. Until 1979, less than 1% of the population benefited from the electric power supply. The period of 19761 9 8 5 , marked by the creation of the Ministry of Energy and Mines, was a time of strong growth for the electrification of Burundi. According to the Minister Manirakiza, the inauguration of the hydroelectric plant of Mugere (8 MW) in 1982 revolutionized Bujumbura because it provided 65.8% of the production of the consumed energy. In Gitega, power shortages from 1978 to 1980 have completely disappeared with the commissioning of the hydroelectric plant on Ruvyironza a capacity of 1,275 MW in July 1980. Other cities such as Ngozi, Kayanza, Ijenda, Mwaro and Bubanza, as well as complex Ijenda
tea estates, Teza, Rwegura and Tora were connected to electricity in 1986, with the construction of a dam Rwegura power 18 MW. With the construction of dams Kayanzi (85 Kw) Marangara (24 Kw) Nyemanga in 1988 (1.4 kW), the cities of Muyinga, Kirundo, Bururi, Rumonge, Makamba, Rutana, Mabanda, Nyanza-lac, Kiryama , Rutovu, Matana, and the Moso sugar were connected to electricity. Since 1997, Burundi decided to have a new vision in the government sector in the field of drinking water and electricity policy. Thus he said the new missions of Regideso, namely the abstraction and distribution of drinking water, production and distribution of electric power, and the marketing of
these products in urban centers. Four hydroelectric plants, namely Mpanda (10 MW), Kabu 16 (20 MW), Jiji and Murembwe (48 MW) are under way or beginning construction, the minister. He also cited three solar power plants and two thermal power plants whose con s tru ctio n is in preparation. At the end of the day exchange, participants recommended the establishment of a strategic development plan for the electricity sector, the rehabilitation and development of the existing network. It was recommended the involvement of the private sector in terms of contribution in the energy sector in the Doing Business to improve the business climate as well as awareness and communication of the legal and regulatory framework to inform and attract investors.
MrsYvette IRAMBONA, Secretary to CNC, said that this registration will allow the National Council of Communication to have a database of all journalists. According to Yvette IRAMBONA, registration is required for all journalists and technicians for the monitoring and control of the exercise of the profession of journalism. She added that the registration will contribute in insuring security to journalists: “all registered journalists will be allowed to do their job wherever they wish on Burundi territory.” A period of one month has been given to all journalists to finish their registration. Those not registered will no longer be considered as Journalists. Participants in the meeting have asked for an additional time for journalists who have fled the country fearing for their security. Mrs Yvette IRAMBONA said they could register via email. She added that they could assess after one month and see what decision to take.
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Burundi steps back in terms of Good governance
EDITORIAL We are Passionate to Serve Burundi
W
e are glad to present to you another edition of AfricaWorld News Burundi bulletin. Our team is being cut-out to meeting the challenges that await us in reporting you to the world. We are now officially registered with the authorities to do all media jobs you would love. From publishing your news, interviews, adverts, communique and statements to celebrating you and the culture of our beautiful country. Have you seen our website www.africaworldnewsbdi.com? Do you follow us on Twitter @AfricaworldB What about Facebook @africaworldnewsburundi Just contact us and let the world hears you or your product. See out bulletin and tell us what you think. You can write for us too .
Anglebert Niyoyitungira Managing Editor To Place your adverts you can contact us through To Place your adverts you africaworldnewskenya@gmail.com can contact us through; business@africaworld.com africaworldburundi@gmail.com or call Eric+257 0726655552 or call 79 97 21 77
AFRICA WORLD NEWS July to th July Bulletin 2016.indd 4
By Correspondent
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n June the World bank reported on the quality of national policies and institutions in sub-Saharan Africa. Seven countries including Rwanda have improved their performance in 2015, 2014 report Rwanda has a rating of 4 out of
6 in poverty reduction and development. In this report on 38 countries, Burundi is ranked in countries whose stock has been marred by conflict and whose losses were heavy. The results of the World Bank gave a score of 3.1 and argues that the
current crisis in Burundi slows the progress of good governance displayed in 2014. Apart from the Gambia with 2.9 and Burundi in crisis, the last country rankings are Eritrea and Sudan, which posted lower performance in many sectors and have a rating of 1.9 out of 6.
Mobile Operator To Use Technology in curbing Gender inequality By Africaworld Kenya
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of mobile internet access, but represents a challenge because of the high costs of creating ‘hyperlocal’ apps, including those offering detailed agricultural information. The study also found that investment is needed to provide access to highquality broadband networks Mobile operator , Vodaphone as well as 2G networks for has commissioned indepen- voice and SMS. dent experts to explore the ways in which smartphones Access to spectrum in sufcould reduce inequalities for ficient quantities at marketwomen, micro entrepreneurs determined prices is critical and small farmers. The re- to continued investment in port highlights the benefits mobile broadband networks. of smartphones for disad- The report shows that convantaged groups and recom- sumer trust can be increased mends the policy steps that by launching flexible congovernments can take to sumer protection measures that are fit for the digital tackle inequality. age. The study, according to TelecomPapaer also found that The report draws on 3 ineducation affects how peo- depth studies, including ple use their devices and the Smartphones and gender value they derive from mo- inequality in Kenya; Smartbile internet access. Mobile phones and micro-entreinternet access is pivotal in preneurship in Ghana, and reducing information asym- Smartphones and small metries and equalising ac- farmers in India. cess to wider social networks and opportunities, but digital In Kenya, the report indicatliteracy is also important in ed that women face barriers ensuring that potential is rea- to educational, entrepreneurial and social activities. It lised. was found that women place Developing locally-produced greater emphasis on the iminformation and apps in- portance of smartphones creases the future usefulness in connecting them to their family and the world beyond. obile internet access has enormous potential to boost income and socioeconomic opportunities in developing markets, but failing to make it accessible to disadvantaged groups could further deepen inequalities, the report shows.
Over two-thirds of business women saw their income increase due to a smartphone. However, even with equivalent education and income levels, women use their smartphone for fewer tasks and less frequently. Education is a central driver of smartphone ownership and use, whereas income is not, the study found. The study covering smartphones and micro-entrepreneurship in Ghana showed that the availability of mobile technology enhances business survival and sustainability through greater access to new ideas, information and tools. It was found that smartphones increased opportunities and 7 out of 10 micro-entrepreneurs would face difficulties continuing their business without a smartphone. The report on smartphones and small farmers in India found that the impact of information and mobile access can generate up to a 50 percent increase in a small farmer’s revenue where the correct inputs are used and better knowledge is applied. A 1 percent increase in yields leads to a 0.6 – 1.3 percent reduction in poverty, having a greater impact than prices alone. 7/14/2016 10:35:33 AM
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Politics Continued fromPage 1
“Just as there were Burundians who did not want independence, today there are some who work with foreigners to destabilize the country. If there were no brave men during the coup attempt of 13 May 2015, today we would not be celebrating this independence,” said Pierre Nkurunziza. The president considers as traitors, those who failed to destabilize the country and escaped justice. “Throughout. Their children must be wondering why they live a miserable life in refugee camps while life was previously wonderful”, he said. Having played a relevant role in the fight against the attempted coup, some senior officers of the defense and security
forces were rewarded. These are namely the chief of the General Staff of the Army, the head of the National Intelligence Service (SNR), the head of the National Police, the spokesmen of the FDN and PNB. Lieutenant Colonel Darius Ikurakure, killed in the beginning of the year was posthumously awarded “to have foiled the coup and safeguarded peace in Ntahangwa commune”, explained President Nkurunziza. The wife of the deceased received a sum of two million Burundian francs. Note that no President on power has taken part in the festivities to support his Burundian counterpart. Only a few officials from Kenya, Uganda, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea and former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete.
Par Rénovat Nijimbere
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e ministre du commerce et de l’industrie et celui du ministère de l’intérieur et de la formation civique ont été invité lors d’une séance des questions orales des sénateurs sur la question de la pénurie du sucre dans le pays. La question qui a ouvert la séance et qui a été posée aux deux ministres, chacun en ce qui le concerne était de savoir pourquoi il y a la pénurie du sucre dans le pays. Prenant la parole, le ministre du commerce et de l’industrie Mme Pélate a expliqué cet état de choses par trois raisons principales. La première est que l’offre du sucre est inférieur à la demande étant donné que la
Par Anglebert Niyoyitungira
Le commandant de la PSP, Alfred Museremu a fait
savoir que l'ancien permis de conduire ne sera valable qu'avant le 29 novembre de cette année. Il a aussi indiqué que ceux qui se trouvent dans les provinces devront venir à Bujumbura pour en obtenir. Les conducteurs s'indignent contre cette mesure. Pour
eux, il était difficile d'en avoir à 40,000 FBu, qu'en sera-t-il pour 100.000 Fbu. Certains disent même qu'ils seront contraints à abandonner leur métier faute de moyens pour l'obtenir.
The writter is the Vice President & Area Business Head for West Africa, MasterCard
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Pénurie du sucre: Questions orales à la chambre haute du parlement
Le ministre de la sécurité publique lance un nouveau permis de conduire
Le ministère de la sécurité publique a lancé le 5 juillet 2016, un permis de conduire biométrique. Ce nouveau permis biométrique permettra à la police spéciale de roulage de contrôler plus efficacement les conducteurs. Ceux qui veulent en avoir et ceux qui doivent changer leur ancien permis devront débourser 100 000 FBU alors qu'avant il ne coûtait que 40 000 francs burundais.
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PHOTO: COURTESY
population ne cesse d’augmenter (plus de 10millions d’habitants) alors que la production du sucre ne suit pas le même rythme (20 à 23 milles tonnes par an). La deuxième raison est celle liée à la spéculation de certains commerçant qui veulent vendre le sucre à un prix élevé par rapport à celui fixé par le gouvernement. ceuxci l’exportant aussi à l’étranger où il s’achète à un prix élevé. La troisième raison est celle de la vétusté des machines dont la garantie était de 25 ans et qu’elles sont à 27ans de fonctionnement. Il faut comprendre de là que si rien n’est fait toutes les machines peuvent s’arrêter. Le ministre a dit qu’il vont toquer ici et là pour demander des crédits afin de procéder au remplacement de ces machines. Les sénateurs n’ont pas étaient satisfaits surtout pour la première raison, celle liée à l’augmentation de la population. Ils ont demandé au ministre du commerce et de l’industrie pourquoi la SOSUMO (Société Sucrière du Moso) n’a pas fait l’extention de la culture du canne à sucre en fonction des besoins
et de l’augmentation de la population. Quant au ministre de l’intérieur et de la formation civique Monsieur Pascal BARANDAGIYE, la pénurie du sucre est dû à la non vigilance de l’administration qui ne surveille pas la circulation du sucre et aux grossistes qui entre dans la SOSUMO pour s’approvisionner en sucre alors qu’ils n’en ont pas le droit. De ce fait, Monsieur BARANDAGIYE a promis qu’il aura désormais des surveillants inconnus pour traquer ceux qui vendront le sucre à un prix qui n’a pas été fixé par le gouvernement ou qui le vendront à l’étranger. Après les explications de ces deux ministres, les sénateurs ont proposé entre autre l’extention de la culture de la canne à sucre et l’implication de l’admnistration dans la surveillance de la distribution et de la commercialisation du sucre. Vous saurez que le sucre est devenu de l’or noir dans ces derniers jours et que le prix du kg a été revu à la hausse par le gouvernement; il a passé de 1850F à 1900 francs burundais mais ce denré reste toujours rare.
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Economy
Carburant toujours dans les provinces du Nord et au centre du pays
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Regional Ministers to Discuss Nile Water issues
Par Rénovat Nijimbere
Il s’observe dans ces jours une pénurie du carburant dans les provinces du nord du pays et ceux du centre comme Gitega, ce qui fait qu’il y a augmentation des frais de déplacement pour les gens qui voyagent à cause du prix élevé du carburant. Celui-ci étant acheté au marché noir à un prix variant entre 3500 et 4000 francs burundais. Le prix du ticket a augmenté de 1000 francs burundais pour le trajet KayanzaNgozi, NgoziKirundo et de 2000F pour le trajet NgoziBujumbura. Ceci a aussi pour conséquence
Water and environment minister Sam Cheptoris (left) and Nile Basin Executive director John Rao Nyaoro addressed a press conference over the upcoming meeting of regional water ministers in Kampala. PHOTO/ New Vision
l’augmentation des prix des produits de première nécessité. Le ministre de l’énergie et des mines Monsieur Côme MANIRAKIZA a visité les stocks du carburant et a trouvé que ce produit est en quantité suffisante et a mis en garde ceux qui créent une pénurie artificielle du carburant en refusant d’alimenter leurs
stations en carburant afin de le mettre à la disposition de ceux qui en ont besoin. Il a dit que ceux qui ne le feront pas verront leurs stations fermées et que la réouverture de cellesci sera très difficile. signalons que le ministre Côme MANIRAKIZA a visité les Sociétés important du carburant INTERPETROL, KOBIL et ENGEN.
Travaux d’amenagement de la route Mabanda-Nyanza Lac: Impact sur les habitants environnants Par Eric Bukeyeneza Les travaux d’amenagement des routes pour la facilitation du transport sur le corridor Nord-Sud sont en cours au Burundi. C’est un projet financé par la Banque Africaine de Développement(BAD). Les travaux d’aménagement de la route MABANDANYANZA-LAC obligent les propriétaires des maisons ou autres infrastructures à déplacer ces dernières ou les détruire complètement si elles ont été construites sans respect des normes de construction: ceux qui n’ont pas laissé la distance exigée entre la route et les maisons se trouvant le long d’elle sont condamnés à
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les détruire. C’est le cas de la maison qui abritait la pharmacie NINZIZA de Nyanza-Lac. Cette mesure a aussi affecté l’agence de la Banque de Crédit de Bujumbura (BCB) à Nyanza-Lac qui est obligée de détruire sa clôture et construire une
autre qui respecte les normes de construction. L’administration locale a sorti un communiqué le 26 juin 2016 exigeant que même le dépot des produits de la Brarudi, S.S.D Nyanza-Lac soit déplacé au plus tard le 1er juillet 2016, mesure qui n’est pas encore été exécutée.
Ministers in charge of water affairs from the ten Nile Basin member states will be in Uganda to discuss a number of areas concerning the Nile Water Basin issues including how to strengthen cooperation on managing and developing the shared water resources. The 24th annual Nile Council of Ministers (NileCOM) meeting to will take place on Thursday and will be attended by member states including Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Egypt and Kenya. Others are Rwanda, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania and host Uganda. Newly-appointed minister of water and environment, Sam Cheptoris told a press conference in Kampala that one of the key issues to discuss is financial sustainability to enable smooth implementation of the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI) and meet core operational costs. He said The Nile continues to be an essential fountain of life for the Nile Basin citizens and therefore its conservation needs a winwin outcome. "We have got a number of projects which we want to implement as member states and it is through such meeting that we can discuss best how to solicit for funds and implement them. "The meeting will also devise means on how to strengthen the cooperation among member states and also attract others to join and sign the cooperation agreement,” said the minister. Other areas to discussed during the meeting are how
to expedite the implementation of already-prepared investments projects worth more than US$6billon (approximately sh19trillion). "The projects aim to increase food, energy and water security so as to improve livelihoods of more than 400 millon Nile Basin citizens," said Cheptoris. Meanwhile, the executive director of NBI, Dr. John Rao Nyaora said that during the meeting, they want to reengage Egypt which has on several occasions declined to be part of the cooperation. Egypt refused to sign the cooperation agreement on grounds that it has no other water resource except River Nile. It contends that it depends on the Nile 96% as its source of water and signing the agreement would only take effect if a minimum water requirement is guaranteed. "Engaging and bringing back Egypt will ensure that there is a fully-constituted basin wide platform for all the Nile Basin states to dialogue on the progress of implementation of programs, projects, share the challenges, and seek guidance on key strategic issues," said Nyaora.
Urb
In an effort to deal with the unequal water distribution, the Nile Water Basin agreement was set up in 1999 by nine of the countries that share the Nile, including Egypt and Sudan. In 2010, Egypt and Sudan froze their participation in NBI activities following the signing of the Cooperative Framework Agreement, which calls for the equitable use of the Nile waters. Sudan resumed participation in 2013, but Egypt has not yet.
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Special Report
Unemployed people not allowed to move downtown
By Anglebert Niyoyitungira ore than 230 people were arrested and relaxed afterwards. “Nobody has the right to wander into town without having job” said Freddy MBONIMPA the mayor of Bujumbura. He
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local NGO, the fight against this rural exodus must be done carefully in order not to cause collateral damage by impairing the free movement of people. These people have the right to settle where they think they can have the job.
becomes endemic in a country through incessant political crisis. These people being chased in Bujumbura are mainly women, children, crippled people always sitting in town begging or doing street trade. They
calls the citizens not to encourage begging. After several surveys and consultations with t h e c h i l d ’s r i g h t t o protection associations, it was decided that these jobless have created a business using children to beg, added Freddy MBONIMPA. For Faustin Ndikumana, President of PARCEM, a
For him, there are some that have been caught without begging. PA R C E M r e q u e s t t h e Government to increased awareness within the country, show these young people the limits of the city of Bujumbura in relation to employment. In addition the government has a duty to create conditions of fighting against unemployment growth when poverty
are embarked in bus and brought back to their respective zones. Detainees and others with knowledge of the SNR headquarters in Bujumbura’s Rohero neighborhood said that the compound has several unofficial cells where detainees who had been tortured were hidden from international monitors. Details on the report : www.hrw.org
Urban communes to get communal plans of community development By Anglebert Niyoyitungira A sensitization meeting was held on July 4th on the municipal community development plan in Bujumbura. This activity concerned elected officials and representatives of the population of Mukaza commune and the officers of the department of community development. It was found that in the hundred and sixteen rural communes, these municipal plans exist while urban villages do
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not have any. However, the development of the population through quality and approximity services is one of the bases of the community development plan of the commune. According to Pierre Claver NDUWIMANA, assistant to the minister, the implementation of this plan will allow the population to find its place in decision making. The interest
of the communal level is that at the end of a project, a commune can detect challenges, and consequently find ways and means of exit. Another advantage is that a commune, before any project can determine if it can be realized in short, mid or long term. The development of this plan will take three months and its contents will be adopted from the communal council to the National level.
Human Rights Watch accuses Burundi Intelligence Services of torturing Suspected Opponents By Anglebert Niyoyitungira
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n a report, Human Rights Watch said Burundi intelligence services have tortured and ill-treated scores of suspected government opponents at their headquarters and in secret locations. Police and members of the ruling party’s youth league, the Imbonerakure, have also committed serious abuses, often in collaboration with the intelligence services. The report goes on mentioning that Agents of Burundi’s national intelligence service (Service national de renseignement, SNR) have increasingly been responsible for torturing alleged opposition sympathizers taken into custody. They have beaten detainees with hammers and steel construction bars, driven sharpened steel rods into their legs, dripped melting plastic on them, tied cords around men’s genitals, and used electric shocks. Detainees who were tortured or injured have been denied medical attention and many have been held in stinking, windowless cells. “Politically motivated torture by the Burundian intelligence services has reached new levels and has become increasingly vicious,” said Daniel Bekele, Africa director at Human Rights Watch. “Intelligence agents treat suspected opponents horrifically because they know they can get away with it. The government should call a halt to torture immediately.” The United Nations Security Council should deploy international police to Burundi with a strong protection mandate and set up an international commission of inquiry to investigate torture and other grave abuses, Human Rights Watch said. Since April, 2016, Human Rights Watch has interviewed more than 40 torture victims from nine provinces and the capital, Bujumbura. Some were interviewed outside the country. Torture and ill-treatment appear to have become more widespread, and torture techniques more brutal, fol-
lowing a failed coup in May 2015 and several grenade attacks on bars by unidentified men in Bujumbura and elsewhere since early 2016. While it is difficult to ascertain the full scale of the abuses, the number of people tortured by intelligence agents across the country is most likely much higher than the number of cases Human Rights Watch documented. The UN reported 651 cases of torture in Burundi between April 2015 and April 2016. For security reasons, Human Rights Watch is not making public the names of interviewees and other information. Intelligence officials told some detainees they would be killed if they spoke about their treatment and ordered others to lie or promise not to talk to human rights groups. Intelligence agents have followed and threatened people suspected of giving information to human rights groups. Former detainees, including opposition party members, told Human Rights Watch that intelligence agents beat them with water pipes weighted with steel construction bars, often until they bled or had difficulty standing. One said that a policeman working at the SNR headquarters poured a liquid over his body that burned him so badly he begged to be killed. Another said an SNR agent smashed bones in his legs with a hammer. A former detainee said an SNR agent interrogated him while an Imbonerakure dripped melting plastic on him. They also used pliers to cut his genitals, while an Imbonerakure told him: “You will end up revealing the secrets of [opposition leader Alexis] Sinduhije.” Detainees and others with knowledge of the SNR headquarters in Bujumbura’s Rohero neighborhood said that the compound has several unofficial cells where detainees who had been tortured were hidden from international monitors. Details on the report : www.hrw.org
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Great Lakes :
Education
Condamnation en France pour le génocide rwandais By AFP
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eux anciens bourgmestres wandaisont été condamnés mercredi par la justice française à la réclusion criminelle à perpétuité pour leur participation au génocide des Tutsi dans leur village de Kabarondo, dans l’est du Rwanda, en avril 1994. A l’issue de deux mois d’un procès qualifié d’”historique” par les parties devant la cour d’assises de Paris, Octavien Ngenzi, 58 ans, et Tito Barahira, 65 ans, ont été jugés coupables de “crimes contre l’humanité” et “génocide”, pour “une pratique massive et systématique d’exécutions sommaires” en application d’un “plan concerté tendant à la destruction” du groupe ethnique tutsi. C’est la seconde et la plus lourde condamnation en France en relation avec les massacres de 1994 au Rwanda, après celle en 2014 de l’ex-capitaine del’armée Pascal Simbikangwa à 25 ans de réclusion, pour génocide et complicité de crimes contre l’humanité. Cette peine correspond aux réquisitions de l’avocat général Philippe Courroye, qui avait désigné les deux hommes, qui se sont succédé à la tête de Kabarondo, comme des rouages essentiels du génocide dans leur commune, autant des “superviseurs” que des “bourreaux à l’oeuvre”. Des “valets des planificateurs du génocide” qui ont “manqué leur rendez-vous avec l’humanité, avec le pardon” en niant jusqu’au bout. L’énoncé des peines a saisi l’assemblée. Fidèles à eux-mêmes, les accusés sont demeurés presque impassibles. Ngenzi, très droit, a à peine cillé, Barahira, de retour d’une de ses séances de dialyse, est resté enfoncé dans son fauteuil bleu. “Je suis extrêmement déçu
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de cette décision. Pas forcément surpris. Je crois qu’on peut s’attendre à un appel de la part de la défense”, a réagi Philippe Meilhac, l’avocat de Barahira. Pour les parties civiles, ce fut une libération silencieuse. Les sanglots discrets éclatent, c’est le soulagement après un procès hors norme: des débats filmés pour l’Histoire, une centaine de témoins, un changement de président en cours de route, plus de 30 tonnes d’actes de procédure. Plus d’”impunité” en France “Les jurés ont entendu la détresse des victimes. On espère que cette peine signifie que c’en est fini de vivre en France dans l’impunité”, a déclaré, souriant, Alain Gauthier, dont l’association, partie civile au procès, est à l’origine de la plupart des enquêtes liées au génocide en France. Son épouse Dafroza, dont la famille a été décimée, a dit son sentiment de “réconfort”, avant de “repartir au combat” pour amener les génocidaires devant la justice. Huit semaines de débats ont donné à voir un génocide entre voisins, sur les collines où l’on participait autrefois ensemble aux travaux communautaires. Un crime de proximité loin des centres du pouvoir, contrairement au procès de Simbikangwa, un homme influent de la capitale. Un contexte différent aussi: alors qu’en 2014 l’heure est au rapprochement entre Kigali et Paris après trois ans de rupture des relations diplomatiques (2006-2009), le vent a tourné à nouveau après un non-lieu en octobre 2015 pour le prêtre Wenceslas Munyeshyaka, premier
Rwandais visé par une plainte en France. A Kabarondo, le massacre le plus effroyable eut lieu le 13 avril à l’église, où des milliers de paysans tutsi s’étaient réfugiés, espérant gagner un sanctuaire, comme l’avaient été les lieux de culte lors des pogroms précédents depuis les années 1960. C’est pour ce massacre mais aussi pour leur participation à des réunions préparatoires, des rafles ou des perquisitions chez des Tutsi que ces deux hommes ont été jugés. Comme ailleurs au Rwanda, où les tueries débutent peu après l’attentat contre le président hutu Juvénal Habyarimana le 6 avril 1994, massacres et exécutions sommaires s’enchaînent à Kabarondo. Ils firent plus de 800.000 morts en cent jours à travers le pays. Plus de 2.000 en un seul jour à l’église de Kabarondo, selon son curé, Oreste Incimatata. L’abbé “s’habitue à voir les hommes tomber”, se souvient de “bébés tétant le sein de leur mère morte”. L’accusation a situé les bourgmestres au coeur de la machine génocidaire, dans un Etat centralisé dont “la matrice politique est ségrégationniste”: un Ngenzi “opportuniste”, qui va “basculer du côté obscur”, et un Barahira “granitique”, qui “a nié l’existence du génocide”. Les motivations de la cour d’assises seront communiquées ultérieurement. En France, 26 dossiers liés au génocide rwandais sont encore à l’instruction, en attente d’un éventuel procès. Le procès en appel de Pascal Simbikangwa est prévu en octobre.
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Nyanza-Lac: Some children drop school to engage in business By Eric Bukeyeneza
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Children under the age of
of palm oil at a price of 150 BIF each, which allows him to buy one small doughnut. He complained that he cannot collect many bottles due to the fact that there are many children who need them. Another child met at NGANDA RELAX BAR-
15 years serve as traders of peanuts and eggs in different bars and bus stations. A ten-year-old child met at KUKAYAGA bar told AfricaWorld that he abandoned school to work for a “boss” who pays him 12,000 BIF( around 7 US dollars) per month. When we asked him if he is satisfied whith this salary, he answered that the salary is low. However, he added that he has a privilege of collecting plastic bottles left by customers after drinking water. After collecting those bottles he sells them to vendors
RESTO told AfricaWorld that his mother obliged him to work as a vendor of peanuts and eggs in streets and bars so as to make money to buy school uniform and materials. He goes to school in the morning and works in the afternoon. He also added that it is his contribution to the mamily since his father is no longer alive. This phenomenon of children working as vendors exists in many other urban areas in Burundi but the question is, how will the future of those children look like since they are always in contact with drunk people instead of being at school.
n Nyanza-Lac, one of the communes of Makamba province located in the south of Burundi, we obseve many children engaged in business.
To get your event Covered or Featured in the next edition contact the entertainment Editor through africaworldburundi@gmail. com
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Press Release
Africaworld News Burundi Press Release A f r i c a Wo r l d N e w s Burundi is a newly registered newspaper. It is operating online, on the website: www. africaworldnewsbdi.com and on Social Media ( Facebook & Twitter) A f r i c a Wo r l d N e w s Burundi has recently been licensed to publish and do business. We are excited to serve the over 10 million Burundians through unbiased reporting and showcasing of our extraordinary culture. Our Background Being a beautiful country, Burundi lies on a rolling plateau in the center of Africa. Far from that, many outside the borders think otherwise. As such we intend to give a full view of the positives that make our country stand out. A f r i c a Wo r l d N e w s Burundi will report firsthand news and events as they happen among Burundians here at home and the wider world. Our media content will reflect the actual state of events and without compromise, including the riches, culture, values, resources and entertainment that Burundi offers. Mission Statement
quality information on the pride and identify of Burundi and Burundians. To provide high quality, reliable and affordable media products for promoting knowledge, political stability and economic prosperity in order to impact positively on our Readers/ Clients and society as a whole. Our Vision Our vision is to become the leader in reporting news, issues and happenings among Burundians and to promote Burundi culture, in a balanced and truthful manner. We shall strive to be the Best Media Leader with the widest reach through innovation backed by excellent service delivery, highly motivated human capital and latest technology. Core Values Burundi Centredness Excellence Integrity Fairness and Equity We are ready to publish your stories, interviews, press releases, adverts and more. For further details contact our Managing Editor: +25779972177 africaworldburundi@gmail. com www.africaworldnewsbdi. com AfricaWorld News Burundi, Created to Serve and Inform
Avis au Public C’est avec plaisir que nous vous informons de l’ouverture de notre Journal en ligne AFRICAWORLD NEWS BURUNDI. Après un long moment de travail, nous sommes heureux de pouvoir vous présenter la vitrine de notre Journal sur la toile. Notre journal a pensé à nos clients, mais aussi à nos partenaires. Ce journal permettra d’accompagner notre essor commun et de faciliter vos démarches. Dans chaque hebdomadaire, vous y trouverez un espace publicitaire pour vos produits qui seront vus au pays et à l’étranger. N’hésitez pas à nous contacter sur notre adresse e-mail : africaworldburundi@ gmail.com ou nous contacter au +25775275763/79972177 en vue d’échanger sur nos produits de publicité à des tarifs abordables. En effet, on a à peu près un million de lecteurs vivant en Afrique, Europe, USA et le Canada. Le journal est hebdomadaire, publié en Français et en Anglais. Nos annonces sont aussi publiées par nos partenaires en Irlande, Kenya, Uganda, Ghana et Nigeria. Notre passion est de communiquer vos produits aux consommateurs potentiels via AFRICAWORLD NEWS BURUNDI. En espérant que vous apprécierez ce nouveau moyen de communication avec nous, nous vous souhaitons une bonne découverte de notre Journal. AfricaWorld News Burundi “... Created to Serve and Inform”
To provide objective and “Unless the hunted gives their account, the story of the hunt will always favour the hunter.”
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SPORT
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C o m m i t e National Olympique Selon le Comité National Olympique, 9 athlètes ont déjà obtenu leurs billets, après l’Athlétisme (6), le Judo (1) c’est autour de la Natation d’être inscrite aux jeux. A Rio le Burundi sera représenté par deux nageurs, le jeune Billy –Scott IRAKOZE, identifié par la FINA lors des championnats du Monde de Kaza , notamment sur 50 m papillon ( 30.44) et Elsie UWAMAHORO , très connue pour avoir disputé déjà deux Jeux Olympiques ; Beijing en 2008 et Londres 2012.
EURO 2016:
Portugal Crowned Winners of 2016
Portugal Prayers Celebrate after winning the EURO 2016 by beating France 1 -0 PHOTO/ Courtesy
Agent to Sue Kenyan Club Over Kadito Football agent Dennis Kadito is in the process of suing Sofapaka, a Kenya Football club over
case heard by the dispute body, has taken his claim to court, where he is suing both Sofapaka and the Sports Disputes Tribunal.
allegedly not receiving his cut in the transfer of Abdul Razak Fiston to South African side Mamelodi Sundowns.
"I seek this Court's intervention to ensure justice is delivered and totally discourage such conduct by the sued parties in appreciation of the role of sports in Kenya and internationally. I believe in due process," Kadito was quoted as saying by the Daily Nation.
Kadito says he is still owed money from the deal for the Burundian striker which took place a year ago, and having failed to have his
AFRICAWORLD Burundi is Published By Nguma Publishers. The Publishers of The African International. Africaworld News is Registered As a News Source by the Ministry Of Communication Burundi. . www.africaworldnewsbdi.com
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