RegionWeek 13th Edition

Diamond Platinum confirmed to perform in Bujumbura Tanzania singer Diamond Platinum is set to perform in Tanzania singer Diamond Platinum Bujumbura at Primusic grande finale slated on July 28, is set to perform in Bujum28, 2019, at ETSlicenses Gov. to grant 2019, at ETS Kamenge. bura at Primusic grande finale slated on JulyUS Kamenge. to Huawei companies

BURUNDI AND EAST AFRICA WEEKLY BRIEFING JULY 13th 2019 $ 3.50

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Angola president, João Lourenço, invites Kagame, Museveni and Tshisekedi for a ‘Quadripartite Summit’.

According to BBC, the vice president of the Football Federation of Burundi has been arrested since Saturday, July 6, 2019.

Ethiopia’s Abiy Ahmed set to step up mediation on SomaliaKenya Sea row.

Ethiopia’s Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed, has manifested his desire to step up mediation efforts on the sea row between Kenya and Somalia.

Reports say that the Ethiopian prime minister has sent emissaries to Kenya and Somalia seeking to have their maritime border dispute resolved without worsening fragile diplomatic ties in the Horn of Africa.

Burundi: Vice president of the Football Federation reportedly detained

The Angolan president, João Lourenço, has invited the presidents of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, Democratic Republic of Congo, Felix Tshisekedi, and Uganda, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for a ‘quadripartite summit’ in Luanda capital, Angola.

The summit is due to take place tomorrow on Friday, July 12, 2019, as the statement issued on Twitter by the Angolan Foreign Ministry reads.

The Twitter statement says that ‘security and regional matters will be at the center of the summit’ between the four heads of states namely João

Lourenço, Paul Kagame, Felix Tshisekedi, and Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. The meeting comes on the heels with frosty ties between Kagame and Museveni over border closure row which has frustrated trade between Kigali and Kampala.

The US urges Burundi Government to hold TheandUS Burundi ‘free fairurges 2020 elections’.

Government to hold ‘free and fair 2020 elections’.

On the sidelines of the celebration of the 243rd independence of the United States of America, Burundi’s US embassy in Bujumbura reiterated their nation’s wish for Burundi to hold ‘free and fair elections’ in 2020.

Tanzania’s Magufuli greenlights ‘having more children’ to boost the country’s economy.

Tanzanian President, nicknamed ‘Bulldozer, has greenlighted or allowed Tanzanian women to have more babies in order to boost the country’s economy. greenlighted or allowed Tanzanian women to have more babies in order to boost the country’s economy.

Court accuses InterBank Burundi of ‘working with rebels’ based in the DRC.

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SPECIALREPORT

Angola president, João Lourenço, invites Kagame, Museveni and Tshisekedi for a ‘Quadripartite Summit’.

The Angolan president, João Lourenço, has invited the presidents of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, Democratic Republic of Congo, Felix Tshisekedi, and Uganda, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for a ‘quadripartite summit’ in Luanda capital, Angola.

The summit is due to take place tomorrow on Friday, July 12, 2019, as the statement issued on Twitter by the Angolan Foreign Ministry reads.

The Twitter statement says that ‘security and regional matters will be at the center of the summit’ between the four heads of states namely João Lourenço, Paul Kagame, Felix Tshisekedi, and Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.

The meeting comes on the heels with frosty ties between Kagame and Museveni over border closure row which has frustrated trade between Kigali and Kampala.

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President João Lourenço has invited for a Quadripartite Summit this Friday (12/07/2019), in Luanda, the Presidents of the DRC, Félix Tshisekedi; of Rwanda, Paul Kagame and of Uganda, Yoweri Museveni. Security and regional matters will be at the centre of the Summit.

Burundi was not invited in this ‘quadripartite summit’ even though it is sharer with Angola, Rwanda, Uganda, DRC in the Great Lakes Region Community, ICGLR. The regional issues such as peace and security are Kagame is seen to be entertaining expected to be discussed upon during this summit ‘relatively good relationships with between the ICGLR member states.

Tsshisekedi’s administration despite The meeting comes after Tshisekedi hosted Angola some reports confirmed by local DR president and Rwandan president in Kinshasa on Congo media of Rwandan military forces the funeral ceremonies day of his late father, Etiwaging war in the Eastern DRC to drive enne Tshisekedi.

The three presidents agreed to create a strong alliaway opposition militants to the Kagame ance of cooperation named ‘ DRC- Angola-Rwanda administration. ‘. It is during this summit that Tshisekedi manifestUganda and Rwanda are threatened by ADF mil- ed his desire to join the EAC African community itants and FDLR respectively which have strong- block and sent a letter of wish to the incumbent holds in the Eastern democratic republic of Congo. EAC Chairman, Paul Kagame.

It should be noted that the new president of DRC, Felix Tshisekedi, has promised to ‘ crash’ these militants based in his country.

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AFRICA

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RegionWeek Jully 2019

Ethiopia’s Abiy Ahmed set to step up mediation on Somalia-Kenya Sea row.

Ethiopia’s Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed, has manifested his desire to step up mediation efforts on the sea row between Kenya and Somalia.

Reports say that the Ethiopian prime minister has sent emissaries to Kenya and Somalia seeking to have their maritime border dispute resolved without worsening fragile diplomatic ties in the Horn of Africa.

THE BIG PICTURE: Kenya and Somalia have been having a maritime spat for months where residents and officials from both countries have seen their visas or stay being terminated abruptly. Regional mediators have been urging Nairobi and Mogadishu to resolve the issue and not escalate the tensions.

Officials in Nairobi and Mogadishu said Abiy, the chairman of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, the region’s security prefect, had scheduled a meeting for this week between presidents Uhuru Kenyatta and Mohammed Farmajo for July 13, the East African reports.

Related: Somalia and Kenya urged to drop the maritime spat However, the meeting was still subject to confirmation from the two heads of state with the officials leaving it at “their diaries allowing.”

These revelations on the probable meeting between Somalia president, Farmajo and Uhuru Kenyatta come as Somalia had decided to take the case at the international court of Justice in 2014 where the matter is set for hearing on September 9.

However, President Farmajo office said, “We unequivocally deny a change of the position of the Federal Government of Somalia on the ongoing case at ICJ.”

Senior Somali government officials, however, said Abiy’s had been working behind the scenes to broker a truce amid pressure from key international players like the United States and the United Kingdom for a truce.

Ethiopia is reportedly stepping up efforts on mediation between Somalia and Kenya because of Somalia ports which facilitate trade, and also in a bid to fight terrorism in the horn of Africa.

On Tuesday media reports in Mogadishu had indicated that President Farmajo was willing to delay – not withdraw – the case at ICJ and allow “negotiations under special arrangements.”

Nairobi also downplayed reports of a change of Describing the media reports as malicious, position in Mogadishu saying there was noth“The office of the Attorney General will inves- ing official. tigate the sources of this propaganda and the fake news it embodies,” the Somalia presiden- “We will need to verify,” Kenya Foreign Affairs cy’s director of communications Abdinur Mo- PS Macharia Kamau said. hamed Ahmed said of the “malicious media reports.”

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SPORTS

Burundi: Vice president of the Football Federation reportedly detained

According to BBC, the vice president of the Football Federation of Burundi has been arrested since Saturday, July 6, 2019.

BBC reported that Aimable Habimana known as Marandura is being investigated on the shortage of money including the bonus for Burundi national team players who represented the country in the 2019 Total Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

Reports from the Football Federation of Burundi say that Mr.Habimana Aimable, who was in charge of players’ bonus (Prize), is detained with two workers of the FFB. THE BIG PICTURE: The issue of the shortage of money including the players’ prize has been reported also in Uganda national team, the Cranes who refused to go training over payment of performance (the bonus of the match) on Tuesday, July 2, 2019, at the Arab Contractors Stadium in Cairo in preparation for their first-round 16 tie against Senegal before their elimination from the continental tournament which is underway in Egypt.

After the move, the Football Uganda Federation Associations decided to pay every

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player who was in Egypt for the tournament a total of $14,600 including 420 USD for the 14-day Camp in Uganda, 5,100 USD for their 34-day Foreign Camp till 30th June 2019, 4,000 USD for the Winning Bonus of the DR Congo match, and 2,000 USD for the Draw against Zimbabwe.

The same issue was also reported in Nigeria national team, where the players refused to take part in training saying they have not received their prize for the competition.

Burundi national team, the Swallows were eliminated from the 2019-AFCON after facing defeat for every Group B match. The Swallows was first stunned by Nigeria (1-0), second by Madagascar (1-0), and finally by Guinea (2-0).

The Burundi national team left Egypt with null point and score as it was its first time to take part in the 32 Africa Cup of Nations of its history.

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NEWS

RegionWeek Jully 2019

Kenya government refused to renew licenses for betting companies The government of Kenya has refused to renew licenses for 27 betting and gaming companies in the country requiring them for tax compliance.

The move was announced on Wednesday, July 10, 2019, by Kenya Betting Control and Licensing Board director Liti Wambua through a statement.

“We wish to inform you that the licenses for the following betting firms were not renewed until they meet the outstanding renewal requirements as well as the outcome of ongoing due diligence to determine if they are fit and proper to hold a license from this board,” Wambua stated.

Wambua also recommends to all mobile money transfer service providers to withdraw their pay bill numbers used by affected companies.

“Consequently, we request you to suspend their pay bills and shortcodes until otherwise advised,” He added.

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All betting firms were supposed to have had their licenses renewed by July 1.

According to Kenya Daily Nation, what shocked the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) during the vetting is that the companies made a cumulative Sh204 billion last year but paid only Sh4 billion in taxes.

Below is the list of 27 betting companies whose licenses have been refused to renew.

SportPesa, Betin, Betway, Betpawa, Elitebet, PremierBet, Lucky2u, 1xBet, MozzartBet, Dafabet, World Sports Betting, Atari Gaming, Palms Bet, Betboss, Kick-Off, Millionaire Sports Bet, Cheza Cash, Betyetu, Bungabet, Cysabet, Saharabet, Easibet, Easleighbet, Sportsbet, AGB lottery and gaming, Atari, Kickoff

Daily Nation further reported that for the 19 whose licenses have not been renewed, the National Security Advisory Committee is reviewing their cases individually and will advise the Interior ministry in the coming days.

“There is no law that compels a government to issue a license to any investor,” Dr. Matiangi said.

“Our decision is going to shake the sector for sure, but we have reached a point where we have to save our country.”

“Our country has to learn how to live truthfully. Otherwise, are we going to tell our children that there is no reason to work hard because you can just spend Sh20 and become a millionaire?” he asked.

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ECONOMY

Court accuses InterBank Burundi of ‘working with rebels’ based in the DRC. Burundi government has accused the Burundi-based private bank, Interbank of doing illegal transactions with outsiders, such as ‘supporting rebels movements warring in the eastern DRC’.

This was announced yesterday in a public hearing opposing Burundi’s Court and InterBan Burundi. The dossier was opened after the Burundi Police arrested two DRC citizens with an amount of 1 500 000 USD the bank was transferring to DRC’s based bank, Trust Merchant Bank.

These two people said they had withdrawn that money from Interbank Burundi. The government of Burundi, therefore, decided to sue that bank to court accusing it of conducting illegal transactions. Burundi’s justice required that the money which was destined to DRC be taken The Court subsequently announced that to the government Treasury.

Interbank Burundi violated the already regulation of Burundi Central Bank de- Burundi’s Court has ordered Interbank nying any person from Burundi to travel Burundi to pay a fine of 44 billion BIF outside of Burundi with more than 3000 and 50 billion BIF for indemnity to BurunUSD cash. di governement.

In defense, InterBank Burundi said that the 1 500 000 $ was being sent to a Congolese bank in partnership with InterBank Burundi, a Trust Merchant Bank (in Uvira) about 12 km from Bujumbura, Burundi.

InterBank Burundi denies all these accusations and said that has been doing these outside transfers 4 of money since 201 and says that its activities make Burundi gaining more foreign currencies.

According to Burundi’s court, all the InterBank Burundi money transfers outside of the country since 2015 ‘were to help the rebels movements’ including those which want to destabilize Burundi’s institutions.

As the website of InterBank Burundi shows , InterBank is run partially by foreign residents such as from Belgium, France, Greece and some Burundians officials in its administration.

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RegionWeek Jully 2019

Tanzania’s Magufuli greenlights ‘having more children’ to boost the country’s economy.

Tanzanian President, nicknamed ‘Bulldozer, has greenlighted or allowed Tanzanian women to have more babies in order to boost the country’s economy.

‘Critics lambast Magufuli’ It is the second time President of Tanzania, John Pombe Magufuli urges women to give birth to a great number of children.

Magufuli did for the first time in July 2018 when he said that those who run for birth control do not have the desire to work and to care for their newborn children.

Magufuli said curbing the birth rate was “for those too lazy to take care of their children”.

This speech was also met with bitter criticism from the human rights activists who champion for birth control to curb the galloping population growth in Tanzania.

Reuters’ report says that President John Magufuli urged Tanzania’s women to “set your ovaries free” and bear more children as a way to help boost the economy into a regional powerhouse.

John Pombe Magufuli said this in his native region, Chatu, where he urged Tanzanian women to ‘let free their ovaries’ for procreation in order to ‘walk in the steps of China’.

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“When you have a big population you build the economy. That’s why China’s economy is so huge,” he said late on Tuesday, citing India and Nigeria as other examples of countries that gained from a demographic increase.

“High population growth in Tanzania means increased levels of poverty and income inequality,” said a rights activist based in Dar es Salaam who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity for fear of possible repercussions from the government’s ongoing review of registration of nongovernmental organizations, Business Insider reports.

“Women’s ovaries should never be used as a tool for seek“I know that those who like to block ovaries will complain about ing economic prosperity”, addmy remarks. Set your ovaries free, let them block theirs,” he told ed the activist. a gathering in his home town of Chato, as Reuters reported.

It should be noted that TanzaChina relies more on its big population of more than 1,5 billion nia has a population of more people to help it stand as the second superpower both militarily than 60 million, and there are and economically. no reported cases pf land isThe report says that although the national leader of Tanzania sues which are reported on asked for women to have more children, some of the country’s some other African countries human rights activists said that the increase in the population due to insufficiency of land to in Tanzania would result in poverty and unprecedented social plow. inequality.

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The US urges Burundi Government to hold ‘free and fair 2020 elections’.

BURUNDI SPORTS

Tanzania appoints Ndayiragije Etienne as Taifa Stars interim coach Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) has appointed Ndayiragije Etienne from Burundi as Tanzania national team (Taifa Stars) interim coach.

On the sidelines of the celebration of the 243rd independence of the United States of America, Burundi’s US embassy in Bujumbura reiterated their nation’s wish for Burundi to hold ‘free and fair elections’ in 2020.

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The US Embassy in Burundi has said the 2020 elections will have significant consequences on people.

WHY IT MATTERS: The United States has been urging Gitega to get ready to hold the 2020 elections with conditions allowing who wish to take part in them to be free from any hurdles.

Newspaper reported words of Eunice Sharon Reddick, Chargé d’affaires of the US Embassy in Burundi, saying that the electoral period is crucial for Burundi.

“Elections are crucial for Burundi. They must be free, transparent, fair and inclusive,” says Eunice Sharon Reddick.

Ms. Reddick says it is so important for all citizens who fulfill the necessary conditions to participate in the electoral process to “vote for candidates who will respond favorably to their concerns.”

Burundi representative, Bernard Nathiraja, assistant to Burundi Foreign Ministry on in the ceremonies assured the United States officials in Bujumbura and other attendees that Gitega will conduct ‘free and fair elections and for all’.

“The government of Burundi would like the US to move with more determination on our sides in friendship, solidarity, and respect for the dignity and sovereignty of our people,” Ntahiraja Bernard said.

The US and other major Western power, have suspended the direct aid which was channeled to Burundi government.

Since then, relations between Gitega and Washington have been in a ‘bumpy ride’.

The US, in a United Nations Security Council, continues to caution Burundi’s situation before the 2020 general elections.

However, the United Nations, in general, have noted that positive progress is being made as Burundi is heading towards the 2020 presidential elections.

The Azam current head coach was appointed to lead Tanzania senior national team on Thursday, July 11, 2019, during an emergency meeting at TFF house.

The Burundi international coach replaced Nigerian tactician Emmanuel Amunike who was sacked by Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) due to the Taifa Stars’ poor performance at the ongoing African Cup of Nations tournament in Egypt. Ndayiragije’s first task will be to guide Taifa Stars in the 2020 African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers.

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Kikao cha Kamati ya dharura cha Kamati ya utendaji ya Shirikisho la Mpira wa Miguu Tanzania (TFF) ambacho kimekutana leo,kimemtangaza Kocha Mkuu wa Azam Ndayiragije Etienne kuwa Kaimu Kocha mkuu wa timu ya taifa ya Tanzania Taifa Stars.@ taifastars_ pic.twitter.com/2mOlMPTAKI — TFF TANZANIA (@Tanfootball) July 11, 2019

“The interim coach’s immediate task will be to prepare the team for the CHAN qualifiers’ match against Kenya slated for the end of this month at the National Stadium,” Tanzania Football Federation said before the appointment.

The first leg match of the 2020 CHAN qualifiers will be played on 26 , July 2019 as Tanzania hosts Kenya, while Kenya will host Tanzania in the second leg game slated on 2 , August 2019. Ndayiragije Etienne will serve as Tanzania national team head coach alongside Juma Mgunda (Assistant Coach), Suleiman Matola (Assistant Coach), and Nadir Haroub (Manager).

Tanzania left the 2019 Total Africa Cup of Nations after losing all its Group C matches with a null point.

Taifa Stars were placed in Group C together with Senegal, Algeria, and neighbor Kenya. Stars played their opening game of the 32 AFCON against the Teranga Lions of Senegal. The match was played on June 23, 2019, at June 30 Stadium where Senegal easily beat Tanzania 2-0.

Tanzania’s hope to move onto the next round 16 of the tournament was blocked by Kenya 3-2 before being stunned and eliminated by Algeria 3-0.

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TECHNEWS

US Gov. to grant licenses to Huawei companies

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RegionWeek Jully 2019

BUZZ

Diamond Platinum confirmed to perform in Bujumbura

Tanzania singer Diamond Platinum is set to perform in Bujumbura at Primusic grande finale slated on July 28, 2019, at ETS Kamenge.

The US government announced on Tuesday, July 9, 2019, that it will grant licenses to companies that want to sell goods to Huawei Technologies Co Ltd, the world’s largest telecommunications equipment maker if there is no national security threat.

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The announcement was made by US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross at a conference in Washington.

“To implement the president’s G20 summit directive two weeks ago, Commerce will issue licenses where there is no threat to US national security,” He said.

“Within those confines, we will try to make sure that we don’t just transfer revenue from the US to foreign firms.” He added Seeking to revive trade talks with China, President Donald Trump announced last month at the G20 Summit that US companies would be allowed to sell products to the Chinese telecom giants that he blacklisted in May 2019.

However, Ross affirmed that Huawei would remain blacklisted as the US parts and components generally cannot be sold to those on the Entity List (blacklist) without special licenses.

According to US industry observers, Ross’ comments lacked the clarity and relief that many people were expecting for after Trump’s announcement.

“The actual policy, of what is not going to endanger U.S. security, is not clear,” Washington trade lawyer Doug Jacobson said.

“The only way that industry can determine the line is by submitting (license) applications and knowing what types will be approved and which types will be denied.”

Huawei was accused of spying American intellectual property and violating Iran sanctions including security threat.

The Chinese telecoms giant has already signed a deal with Russian telecoms firm MTS to develop a 5G network in the country something that the US deems to be a security risk.

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Born as Chibu Dangote, Tanzanian mega-star will be performing in Bujumbura not as a guest but as someone who is back home after a long time. He had been performing in Bujumbura back in 2013/14 and he just recorded two songs with Burundian singer, Lolilo Mzizi wa Jiwe.

The confirmation of Platinum’s appearance at Primusic finale was announced

by Primus Burundi throughout its Facebook page. The CEO of WCB and Wasafi media is awaited to make history in Bujumbura alongside Primusic’s ambassadors Big Fizzo and Sat B in collaboration with other local artists to be announced soon.

Primusic which is depicted as one of the greatest competitions in Burundi is an every-year competition organized

by Burundi Brewery Company known as Brarudi with the targeting to highlights and promote talents.

The last final of the competition held in 2014 at the same place (ETS Kamenge) was animated by Ugandan Superstar Jose Chameleon as Christian Ninteretse emerged as a winner with 20.000.000BIF. The following 4 years, the event was then suspended by the organizers following unknown reasons.

The completion was re-launched on May 16, 2019, and the first auditions kicked off on May 23, 2019, in Kayanza province.

The winner of the 2019 edition will be selected from 6 candidates in the final stage to be held at ETS Kamenge on July 28, 2019. The first winner will be crowned with 25.000.000 BIF, while the second winner will get only 5.000.000BIF, the third will have 3.000.000 BIF, the fourth will come up with 2.000.000BIF, with the fifth to get 1.500.000BIF, and 1.000.000 for the sixth.

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Buja Music Awards 2019: Get to know the Winners and their Trophie Buja Music Awards (BMA) announced and handed over the trophies to the winners of its first edition in the ceremony held at the France Institute of Burundi (IFB) former CCF on Sunday, July 7, 2019.

EVENTS Here are the winners and their trophies Best Video Director: Landry SB Best Music Producer: Kolly tha Magic Legend: late Canjo Amisi Best Comedian: Kabizi Boris Best Group Dance: Arakara Team Best Radio presenter: Ami Pro Best RNB and Afro-Pop song: Guitar by Lolilo Best Hip Hop Song: Dogo by Fabelove Best Hip Hop artist of the Year: B Face Best Music Group: Best life music Best New Artist: Arnovic Best DJ: DJ Mario Best Video of the Year: Nzobikora

by Master land ft. Fabelove Best Male Artist: Sat B Best Artist of the Year: Sat B Best Song of Year: Sat B Best Female Artist: Miss Eric Best Diaspora Artist: Ado Josan Best Gospel Artist: Prince Mshindi Best Collaboration: Iwawe by Akes Don ft Vichou (Peace & Love) Best Traditional Artist: Bernice Best Performance: Dr. CLAUDE Best Honored Person(s): Burundi national team, Intamba Mu Rugamba (The Swallows) Best Personality of the Year: John Kay (Actor)

The ceremony of the Burundian event stated to be the sole Music Award in the country that aims to acknowledge and promote Burundian talented musicians and provide a platform for upcoming artists to showcase their talents, was animated by different Burundian artists including nominees and various traditional and modern groups.

In her opening speech the representative of BMA, Ms. Delphine Buzingo warmly indicated that their target and goal is to honor and celebrate the Burundian music industry every year.

The ceremony of the Burundian event stated to be the sole Music Award in the country that aims to acknowledge and promote Burundian talented musicians and provide a platform for upcoming artists to showcase their talents, was animated by different Burundian artists including nominees and various traditional and modern groups.

In her opening speech the representative of BMA, Ms. Delphine Buzingo warmly indicated that their target and goal is to honor and celebrate the Burundian music industry every year.

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“BMA will be an everyyear event; I say thanks for everybody who is here tonight.” Said Delphine Buzingo “We had encountered with many challenges, but finally we did it, “It’s a big pleasure for me and for my whole team to be with you in this big event, “I have nothing to say, but you are all welcome.” She added RegionWEEK is a Weekly News Briefing about Brurundi and East Africa.

Publisher: RegionWeek Ltd Editor in chief: Fabrice Iranzi Head of Africa Bureau: John Nshimirimana 11, Avenue du Gouvernement, Rohero Bujumbura-Burundi Tél: +257 79 43 28 86 P.O Box 6402 Bujumbura