| BURUNDI Republic of Burundi Republique du Burundi/ Republika y'u Burundi Joined United Nations: 18 September 1962 Human Rights as assured by their constitution Click here Updated 02/26/10 |
| CAPITAL |
| POPULATION |
| CHIEF OF STATE |
| SELECTION PROCESS |
Bujumbura
9,511,330
note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality
due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death
rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age
and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2009 est.)
note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality
due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death
rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age
and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2009 est.)
Pierre Nkurunziza
President since 26 August 2005
President since 26 August 2005
Paramount ruler elected by and from the hereditary rulers of nine of
the states for five-year terms; election last held on 3 November 2006
Next scheduled election: 2011
the states for five-year terms; election last held on 3 November 2006
Next scheduled election: 2011
HEAD OF GOVERNMENT
According to the Burundian Constitution, the President is both the
Chief of State and Head of Government
Chief of State and Head of Government
| DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS |
| ETHNIC GROUPS |
Hutu (Bantu) 85%, Tutsi (Hamitic) 14%, Twa (Pygmy) 1%, Europeans 3,000, South Asians 2,000
| RELIGIONS |
Christian 67% (Roman Catholic 62%, Protestant 5%), indigenous beliefs 23%, Muslim 10%
| GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE |
Republic with 17 provinces; Legal system is based on German and Belgian civil codes and customary law; has not accepted
compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Executive: The president is elected by popular vote to a five-year term (eligible for a second term); note - the constitution adopted in
February 2005 permits the post-transition president to be elected by a two-thirds majority of the parliament; next elections to be held on 28
June 2010; vice presidents nominated by the president, endorsed by parliament
Legislative: Bicameral Parliament or Parlement, consists of a National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (minimum 100 seats,
60% Hutu and 40% Tutsi with at least 30% being women; additional seats appointed by a National Independent Electoral
Commission to ensure ethnic representation; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms) and a Senate (54 seats;
34 members elected by indirect vote to serve five-year terms, with remaining seats assigned to ethnic groups and former chiefs of
state)
elections: Senate - last held 29 July 2005 (next to be held on 23 July 2010); National Assembly - last held 4 July 2005 (next to be
held on 23 July 2010)
Judicial: Supreme Court or Cour Supreme; Constitutional Court; Courts of Appeal (there are three in separate locations);
Tribunals of First Instance (17 at the province level and 123 small local tribunals)
compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Executive: The president is elected by popular vote to a five-year term (eligible for a second term); note - the constitution adopted in
February 2005 permits the post-transition president to be elected by a two-thirds majority of the parliament; next elections to be held on 28
June 2010; vice presidents nominated by the president, endorsed by parliament
Legislative: Bicameral Parliament or Parlement, consists of a National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (minimum 100 seats,
60% Hutu and 40% Tutsi with at least 30% being women; additional seats appointed by a National Independent Electoral
Commission to ensure ethnic representation; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms) and a Senate (54 seats;
34 members elected by indirect vote to serve five-year terms, with remaining seats assigned to ethnic groups and former chiefs of
state)
elections: Senate - last held 29 July 2005 (next to be held on 23 July 2010); National Assembly - last held 4 July 2005 (next to be
held on 23 July 2010)
Judicial: Supreme Court or Cour Supreme; Constitutional Court; Courts of Appeal (there are three in separate locations);
Tribunals of First Instance (17 at the province level and 123 small local tribunals)
| LANGUAGES |
Kirundi (official), French (official), Swahili (along Lake Tanganyika and in the Bujumbura area)
| BRIEF HISTORY |
Origins of Burundi are known from a mix of oral history and archaeology. There are two main founding legends for Burundi. The
one most promoted today tells a tale of a Rwandan named Cambarantama founding the nation. The other version, more common in
pre-colonial Burundi, says that Cambarantama came from the southern state of Buha. The notion of Rwandan origins for the
kingdom was promoted by the European colonizers for it fit their ideals of a ruling class coming to the area from the Hamitic
northeast. The theory has continued to be the semi-official dogma of the modern Burundian state. Historians doubt the Hamitic
origins of the Tutsis, but it is still believed that their ancestors migrated from the north to what is now Burundi in the 15th century.
The first evidence of the Burundian state is from 16th century where it emerged on the eastern foothills. Over the next centuries it
expanded, annexing smaller neighbours and competing with Rwanda. Its greatest growth occurred under Ntare Rugamba, who
ruled the nation from about 1796 to 1850 and saw the kingdom double in size. The Kingdom of Burundi was characterized by a
hierarchical political authority and tributary economic exchange. The king, known as the mwami headed a princely aristocracy
(ganwa) which owned most of the land and required a tribute, or tax, from local farmers and herders. In the mid-18th century, this
Tutsi royalty consolidated authority over land, production, and distribution with the development of the ubugabire—a patron-client
relationship in which the populace received royal protection in exchange for tribute and land tenure. Although European explorers
and missionaries made brief visits to the area as early as 1856, it was not until 1899 that Burundi became a part of German East
Africa. Unlike the Rwandan monarchy which decided to accept the German advances, the Burundian king Mwezi Gisabo opposed
all European influence, refusing to wear European clothing and resisting the advance of European missionaries or administrators. The
Germans used armed force and succeeded in doing great damage, but did not destroy the king’s power. Eventually they backed
one of the king's sons-in-law Maconco in a revolt against Gisabo. Gisabo was eventually forced to concede and agreed to German
suzerainty. The Germans then helped him suppress Maconco's revolt. The smaller kingdoms along the western shore of Lake
Victoria were also attached to Burundi. Even after this the foreign presence was minimal and the kings continued to rule much as
before. The Europeans did, however, bring devastating diseases affecting both people and animals. Affecting the entire region,
Burundi was especially hard hit. A great famine hit in 1905, with others striking the entire Great Lakes region in 1914, 1923, and
1944. Between 1905 and 1914 half the population of the western plains region died. In 1916 Belgian troops conquered the area
during the First World War. In 1923, the League of Nations mandated to Belgium the territory of Ruanda-Urundi, encompassing
modern-day Rwanda and Burundi, but stripping the western kingdoms and giving them to British administered Tanganyika. The
Belgians administered the territory through indirect rule, building on the Tutsi-dominated aristocratic hierarchy. Following World
War II, Ruanda-Urundi became a United Nations Trust Territory under Belgian administrative authority. After 1948, Belgium
permitted the emergence of competing political parties. Two political parties emerged: the Union for National Progress (UPRONA),
a multi-ethnic party led by Tutsi(*) Prince Louis Rwagasore and the Christian Democratic Party (PDC) supported by Belgium. In
1961, Prince Rwagasore was assassinated following an UPRONA victory in legislative elections. Full independence was achieved
on July 1, 1962. In the context of weak democratic institutions at independence, Tutsi (*) King Mwambutsa IV established a
constitutional monarchy comprising equal numbers of Hutus and Tutsis. The 1965 assassination of the Hutu prime minister set in
motion a series of destabilizing Hutu revolts and subsequent governmental repression. In 1966, King Mwambutsa IV was deposed
by his son, Prince Ntare V, who himself was deposed by his prime minister Capt. Michel Micombero in the same year. He
abolished the monarchy and declared a republic. A de facto military regime emerged and civil unrest continued throughout the late
1960s and early 1970s. In late April 1972, a Hutu attack on a hill locality, situated in the south of the country, where most military
officers were born, triggered a military reprisal. In 1976, Colonel Jean-Baptiste Bagaza took power in a bloodless coup. Although
Bagaza led a Tutsi-dominated military regime, he encouraged land reform, electoral reform, and national reconciliation. In 1987,
Major Pierre Buyoya overthrew Col. Bagaza. He dissolved opposition parties, suspended the 1981 constitution, and instituted his
ruling Military Committee for National Salvation (CSMN). In 1991, Buyoya approved a constitution that provided for a president,
nonethnic government, and a parliament. Burundi's first Hutu president, Melchior Ndadaye, of the Hutu-dominated Front for
Democracy in Burundi (FRODEBU) Party, was elected in 1993. He was assassinated by factions of the Tutsi-dominated armed
forces in October 1993. In April 1994, President Ntaryamira and Rwandan President Juvénal Habyarimana died in a plane crash.
This act marked the beginning of the Rwandan genocide, while in Burundi, the death of Ntaryamira exacerbated the violence and
unrest, although there was no general massacre. On July 25, 1996, the government was overthrown in a coup led by Buyoya. The
civil war continued, despite the efforts of the international community to create a peace process. Progress has been made since
2001, when a power-sharing government was created, and in 2003, Domitien Ndayizeye, the Hutu vice-president, became
president as mandated by the power-sharing agreement. A series of elections, held in mid-2005 were won by the former Hutu rebel
National Council for the Defense of Democracy-Forces for the Defense of Democracy (CNDD-FDD). Former President
Ndayizeye and his political supporters were arrested in 2006 and accused of plotting a coup, but later he was acquitted by the
Supreme Court. International human rights groups claimed that the current government was framing Ndayizeye by torturing him into
false confessions of the coup plot. Along with these accusations, in December 2006 the International Crisis Group labeled Burundi’s
government with a “deteriorating” status in its treatment of human rights. The organization reported that the government had arrested
critics, muzzled the press, committed human rights abuses, and tightened its control over the economy, and that “unless it [reversed]
this authoritarian course, it risk[ed] triggering violent unrest and losing the gains of peace process.” citation. In February 2007, the U.
N. officially shut down its peacekeeping operations in Burundi and turned its attention to rebuilding the nation’s economy, which
relies heavily on tea and coffee but suffered severely during 12 years of civil war. The U.N. had deployed 5,600 peacekeepers
since 2004, and several hundred troops remained to work with the African Union in monitoring the ceasefire.
Source: Wikipedia: History of Burundi
one most promoted today tells a tale of a Rwandan named Cambarantama founding the nation. The other version, more common in
pre-colonial Burundi, says that Cambarantama came from the southern state of Buha. The notion of Rwandan origins for the
kingdom was promoted by the European colonizers for it fit their ideals of a ruling class coming to the area from the Hamitic
northeast. The theory has continued to be the semi-official dogma of the modern Burundian state. Historians doubt the Hamitic
origins of the Tutsis, but it is still believed that their ancestors migrated from the north to what is now Burundi in the 15th century.
The first evidence of the Burundian state is from 16th century where it emerged on the eastern foothills. Over the next centuries it
expanded, annexing smaller neighbours and competing with Rwanda. Its greatest growth occurred under Ntare Rugamba, who
ruled the nation from about 1796 to 1850 and saw the kingdom double in size. The Kingdom of Burundi was characterized by a
hierarchical political authority and tributary economic exchange. The king, known as the mwami headed a princely aristocracy
(ganwa) which owned most of the land and required a tribute, or tax, from local farmers and herders. In the mid-18th century, this
Tutsi royalty consolidated authority over land, production, and distribution with the development of the ubugabire—a patron-client
relationship in which the populace received royal protection in exchange for tribute and land tenure. Although European explorers
and missionaries made brief visits to the area as early as 1856, it was not until 1899 that Burundi became a part of German East
Africa. Unlike the Rwandan monarchy which decided to accept the German advances, the Burundian king Mwezi Gisabo opposed
all European influence, refusing to wear European clothing and resisting the advance of European missionaries or administrators. The
Germans used armed force and succeeded in doing great damage, but did not destroy the king’s power. Eventually they backed
one of the king's sons-in-law Maconco in a revolt against Gisabo. Gisabo was eventually forced to concede and agreed to German
suzerainty. The Germans then helped him suppress Maconco's revolt. The smaller kingdoms along the western shore of Lake
Victoria were also attached to Burundi. Even after this the foreign presence was minimal and the kings continued to rule much as
before. The Europeans did, however, bring devastating diseases affecting both people and animals. Affecting the entire region,
Burundi was especially hard hit. A great famine hit in 1905, with others striking the entire Great Lakes region in 1914, 1923, and
1944. Between 1905 and 1914 half the population of the western plains region died. In 1916 Belgian troops conquered the area
during the First World War. In 1923, the League of Nations mandated to Belgium the territory of Ruanda-Urundi, encompassing
modern-day Rwanda and Burundi, but stripping the western kingdoms and giving them to British administered Tanganyika. The
Belgians administered the territory through indirect rule, building on the Tutsi-dominated aristocratic hierarchy. Following World
War II, Ruanda-Urundi became a United Nations Trust Territory under Belgian administrative authority. After 1948, Belgium
permitted the emergence of competing political parties. Two political parties emerged: the Union for National Progress (UPRONA),
a multi-ethnic party led by Tutsi(*) Prince Louis Rwagasore and the Christian Democratic Party (PDC) supported by Belgium. In
1961, Prince Rwagasore was assassinated following an UPRONA victory in legislative elections. Full independence was achieved
on July 1, 1962. In the context of weak democratic institutions at independence, Tutsi (*) King Mwambutsa IV established a
constitutional monarchy comprising equal numbers of Hutus and Tutsis. The 1965 assassination of the Hutu prime minister set in
motion a series of destabilizing Hutu revolts and subsequent governmental repression. In 1966, King Mwambutsa IV was deposed
by his son, Prince Ntare V, who himself was deposed by his prime minister Capt. Michel Micombero in the same year. He
abolished the monarchy and declared a republic. A de facto military regime emerged and civil unrest continued throughout the late
1960s and early 1970s. In late April 1972, a Hutu attack on a hill locality, situated in the south of the country, where most military
officers were born, triggered a military reprisal. In 1976, Colonel Jean-Baptiste Bagaza took power in a bloodless coup. Although
Bagaza led a Tutsi-dominated military regime, he encouraged land reform, electoral reform, and national reconciliation. In 1987,
Major Pierre Buyoya overthrew Col. Bagaza. He dissolved opposition parties, suspended the 1981 constitution, and instituted his
ruling Military Committee for National Salvation (CSMN). In 1991, Buyoya approved a constitution that provided for a president,
nonethnic government, and a parliament. Burundi's first Hutu president, Melchior Ndadaye, of the Hutu-dominated Front for
Democracy in Burundi (FRODEBU) Party, was elected in 1993. He was assassinated by factions of the Tutsi-dominated armed
forces in October 1993. In April 1994, President Ntaryamira and Rwandan President Juvénal Habyarimana died in a plane crash.
This act marked the beginning of the Rwandan genocide, while in Burundi, the death of Ntaryamira exacerbated the violence and
unrest, although there was no general massacre. On July 25, 1996, the government was overthrown in a coup led by Buyoya. The
civil war continued, despite the efforts of the international community to create a peace process. Progress has been made since
2001, when a power-sharing government was created, and in 2003, Domitien Ndayizeye, the Hutu vice-president, became
president as mandated by the power-sharing agreement. A series of elections, held in mid-2005 were won by the former Hutu rebel
National Council for the Defense of Democracy-Forces for the Defense of Democracy (CNDD-FDD). Former President
Ndayizeye and his political supporters were arrested in 2006 and accused of plotting a coup, but later he was acquitted by the
Supreme Court. International human rights groups claimed that the current government was framing Ndayizeye by torturing him into
false confessions of the coup plot. Along with these accusations, in December 2006 the International Crisis Group labeled Burundi’s
government with a “deteriorating” status in its treatment of human rights. The organization reported that the government had arrested
critics, muzzled the press, committed human rights abuses, and tightened its control over the economy, and that “unless it [reversed]
this authoritarian course, it risk[ed] triggering violent unrest and losing the gains of peace process.” citation. In February 2007, the U.
N. officially shut down its peacekeeping operations in Burundi and turned its attention to rebuilding the nation’s economy, which
relies heavily on tea and coffee but suffered severely during 12 years of civil war. The U.N. had deployed 5,600 peacekeepers
since 2004, and several hundred troops remained to work with the African Union in monitoring the ceasefire.
Source: Wikipedia: History of Burundi
| ECONOMIC OVERVIEW |
Burundi is a landlocked, resource-poor country with an underdeveloped manufacturing sector. The economy is predominantly
agricultural which accounts for 35% of GDP and employs more than 90% of the population. Burundi's primary exports are coffee
and tea, which account for 90% of foreign exchange earnings, though exports are a relatively small share of GDP. Burundi's export
earning - and its ability to pay for imports - rests primarily on weather conditions and international coffee and tea prices. The Tutsi
minority, 14% of the population, dominates the coffee trade. An ethnic-based war that lasted for over a decade resulted in more
than 200,000 deaths, forced more than 48,000 refugees into Tanzania, and displaced 140,000 others internally. Only one in two
children go to school, and approximately one in 15 adults has HIV/AIDS. Food, medicine, and electricity remain in short supply.
Burundi's GDP grew around 4% annually in 2006-09. Political stability and the end of the civil war have improved aid flows and
economic activity has increased, but underlying weaknesses - a high poverty rate, poor education rates, a weak legal system, and
low administrative capacity - risk undermining planned economic reforms. Burundi will continue to remain heavily dependent on aid
from bilateral and multilateral donors; the delay of funds after a corruption scandal cut off bilateral aid in 2007 reduced government's
revenues and its ability to pay salaries. Burundi joined the East African Community, which should boost Burundi's regional trade
ties. Burundi's main challenge to economic growth will be maintaining sufficient fiscal discipline and peace during the upcoming
national elections scheduled for 2010.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Burundi)
agricultural which accounts for 35% of GDP and employs more than 90% of the population. Burundi's primary exports are coffee
and tea, which account for 90% of foreign exchange earnings, though exports are a relatively small share of GDP. Burundi's export
earning - and its ability to pay for imports - rests primarily on weather conditions and international coffee and tea prices. The Tutsi
minority, 14% of the population, dominates the coffee trade. An ethnic-based war that lasted for over a decade resulted in more
than 200,000 deaths, forced more than 48,000 refugees into Tanzania, and displaced 140,000 others internally. Only one in two
children go to school, and approximately one in 15 adults has HIV/AIDS. Food, medicine, and electricity remain in short supply.
Burundi's GDP grew around 4% annually in 2006-09. Political stability and the end of the civil war have improved aid flows and
economic activity has increased, but underlying weaknesses - a high poverty rate, poor education rates, a weak legal system, and
low administrative capacity - risk undermining planned economic reforms. Burundi will continue to remain heavily dependent on aid
from bilateral and multilateral donors; the delay of funds after a corruption scandal cut off bilateral aid in 2007 reduced government's
revenues and its ability to pay salaries. Burundi joined the East African Community, which should boost Burundi's regional trade
ties. Burundi's main challenge to economic growth will be maintaining sufficient fiscal discipline and peace during the upcoming
national elections scheduled for 2010.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Burundi)
| POLITICAL CLIMATE |
The political landscape of Burundi has been dominated in recent years by the civil war and a long peace process and move to
democracy. The current President of Burundi is Pierre Nkurunziza, a former rebel leader of the Hutu National Council for the
Defense of Democracy-Forces for the Defense of Democracy who was elected unopposed as the new President of Burundi by the
parliament on 19 August 2005. Nkurunziza was the first president chosen through democratic means since the start of the civil war
in 1993 and was sworn in on 26 August, replacing transitional president Domitien Ndayizeye.
In November 1995, the presidents of Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, and Zaire (currently Democratic Republic of Congo) announced a
regional initiative for a negotiated peace in Burundi facilitated by former Tanzanian President Julius Nyerere. In July 1996, former
Burundian President Buyoya returned to power in a bloodless coup. He declared himself president of a transitional republic, even as
he suspended the National Assembly, banned opposition groups, and imposed a nationwide curfew. Widespread condemnation of
the coup ensued, and regional countries imposed economic sanctions pending a return to a constitutional government. Buyoya
agreed in 1996 to liberalize political parties. Nonetheless, fighting between the army and Hutu militias continued. In June 1998,
Buyoya promulgated a transitional constitution and announced a partnership between the government and the opposition-led
National Assembly. After facilitator Julius Nyerere's death in October 1999, the regional leaders appointed Nelson Mandela as
Facilitator of the Arusha peace process. Under Mandela the peace process has revived and important progress has taken place.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Burundi
democracy. The current President of Burundi is Pierre Nkurunziza, a former rebel leader of the Hutu National Council for the
Defense of Democracy-Forces for the Defense of Democracy who was elected unopposed as the new President of Burundi by the
parliament on 19 August 2005. Nkurunziza was the first president chosen through democratic means since the start of the civil war
in 1993 and was sworn in on 26 August, replacing transitional president Domitien Ndayizeye.
In November 1995, the presidents of Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, and Zaire (currently Democratic Republic of Congo) announced a
regional initiative for a negotiated peace in Burundi facilitated by former Tanzanian President Julius Nyerere. In July 1996, former
Burundian President Buyoya returned to power in a bloodless coup. He declared himself president of a transitional republic, even as
he suspended the National Assembly, banned opposition groups, and imposed a nationwide curfew. Widespread condemnation of
the coup ensued, and regional countries imposed economic sanctions pending a return to a constitutional government. Buyoya
agreed in 1996 to liberalize political parties. Nonetheless, fighting between the army and Hutu militias continued. In June 1998,
Buyoya promulgated a transitional constitution and announced a partnership between the government and the opposition-led
National Assembly. After facilitator Julius Nyerere's death in October 1999, the regional leaders appointed Nelson Mandela as
Facilitator of the Arusha peace process. Under Mandela the peace process has revived and important progress has taken place.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Burundi
| INTERNATIONAL DISPUTES |
Burundi and Rwanda dispute sections of border on the Akanyaru/Kanyaru and the Kagera/Nyabarongo rivers, which have changed
course since the 1960s, when the boundary was delimited; cross-border conflicts among Tutsi, Hutu, other ethnic groups,
associated political rebels, armed gangs, and various government forces persist in the Great Lakes region
course since the 1960s, when the boundary was delimited; cross-border conflicts among Tutsi, Hutu, other ethnic groups,
associated political rebels, armed gangs, and various government forces persist in the Great Lakes region
| REFUGEES AND INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS (IDPS) |
Refugees (country of origin): 9,849 (Democratic Republic of the Congo)
IDPs: 100,000 (armed conflict between government and rebels; most IDPs in northern and western Burundi) (2007)
IDPs: 100,000 (armed conflict between government and rebels; most IDPs in northern and western Burundi) (2007)
| ILLICIT DRUGS |
None reported.
| HUMAN RIGHTS STATEMENTS, ANALYSIS AND CRITIQUES |
2008 Human Rights Report: Burundi
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2008 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
February 25, 2009
Burundi is a constitutional republic with an elected government and a population of 8.3 million. In 2005, following local and
parliamentary elections, the country's two houses of parliament indirectly elected as President Pierre Nkurunziza, a member of the
National Council for the Defense of Democracy–Forces for the Defense of Democracy (CNDD-FDD) political party. International
observers reported that the elections, which ended a four-year transitional process under the Arusha Peace and Reconciliation
Agreement, were generally free and fair. Although the CNDD-FDD party dominated parliament and the government, other major parties,
notably the Burundian Front for Democracy (FRODEBU) and the Union for National Progress, were also represented. On April 17,
members of the rebel group PALIPEHUTU-FNL (FNL) attacked several military positions around Bujumbura. Subsequent clashes
between government forces and rebel combatants resulted in more than 100 dead before a cease-fire was signed at the end of May.
More than 2,000 rebels subsequently relocated to a government assembly area awaiting integration into the security forces or
demobilization. At year's end an additional 3,000 to 18,000 combatants remained in the bush as rebel leaders and government authorities
negotiated the details of the agreement. While civilian authorities generally maintained effective control of security forces, there were
instances when elements of the security forces acted independently.
The government's human rights record remained poor; government security forces continued to commit numerous serious human rights
abuses.
Despite the cease-fire, abuses by the FNL against civilians continued and occurred primarily in the FNL traditional strongholds of
Bujumbura Rural, and the northern provinces of Bubanza, Cibitoke, Muramvya, and Kayanza. These abuses included killings,
kidnappings, rapes, theft, extortion, and the use of forced labor.
Click here to read more »
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2008 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
February 25, 2009
Burundi is a constitutional republic with an elected government and a population of 8.3 million. In 2005, following local and
parliamentary elections, the country's two houses of parliament indirectly elected as President Pierre Nkurunziza, a member of the
National Council for the Defense of Democracy–Forces for the Defense of Democracy (CNDD-FDD) political party. International
observers reported that the elections, which ended a four-year transitional process under the Arusha Peace and Reconciliation
Agreement, were generally free and fair. Although the CNDD-FDD party dominated parliament and the government, other major parties,
notably the Burundian Front for Democracy (FRODEBU) and the Union for National Progress, were also represented. On April 17,
members of the rebel group PALIPEHUTU-FNL (FNL) attacked several military positions around Bujumbura. Subsequent clashes
between government forces and rebel combatants resulted in more than 100 dead before a cease-fire was signed at the end of May.
More than 2,000 rebels subsequently relocated to a government assembly area awaiting integration into the security forces or
demobilization. At year's end an additional 3,000 to 18,000 combatants remained in the bush as rebel leaders and government authorities
negotiated the details of the agreement. While civilian authorities generally maintained effective control of security forces, there were
instances when elements of the security forces acted independently.
The government's human rights record remained poor; government security forces continued to commit numerous serious human rights
abuses.
- Members of the army (FDN), the police, and the National Intelligence Service (SNR) were responsible for killings, torture, and
beatings of civilians and detainees (including suspected FNL supporters), although there were fewer such reports than in the
previous year. - There were reports that security forces raped women and girls.
- Impunity and harsh, life-threatening prison and detention center conditions remained problems, and reports of arbitrary arrest and
detention continued. - Prolonged pretrial detention, lack of judicial independence and efficiency, and judicial corruption continued.
- While government security forces, especially the FDN, took some steps to prosecute the perpetrators of human rights abuses,
most individuals acted with impunity. - The government continued to hold some political prisoners and political detainees.
- It restricted freedom of assembly and association, especially for political parties, and did not tolerate direct criticism of the
president. - Security forces continued to harass members of the opposition.
- Domestic and sexual violence and discrimination against women remained problems.
- A large number of weapons circulated throughout the general population, and many violent incidents and killings were considered
the result of vigilante abuse and personal score-settling.
Despite the cease-fire, abuses by the FNL against civilians continued and occurred primarily in the FNL traditional strongholds of
Bujumbura Rural, and the northern provinces of Bubanza, Cibitoke, Muramvya, and Kayanza. These abuses included killings,
kidnappings, rapes, theft, extortion, and the use of forced labor.
Click here to read more »
8 April 2008
Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women
Fortieth session
14 January-1 February 2008
Concluding comments of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women
Burundi
Introduction
2. The Committee expresses its appreciation to the State party for its combined second, third and fourth periodic report. While
appreciating the candour of the report, the Committee nonetheless regrets that it was overdue, did not comply fully with the Committee’s
guidelines for the preparation of periodic reports nor refer to the Committee’s general recommendations and did not contain enough
statistical data disaggregated by sex.
3. The Committee thanks the State party for submitting its written replies to the list of issues and questions sent by the Committee’s
pre-session working group, but regrets that these replies were submitted late and did not completely answer all the questions. It
expresses its appreciation to the State party for its oral presentation and the further clarifications given, but notes that some questions
remained unanswered.
Positive aspects
6. The Committee welcomes the fact that the State party incorporated the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination
against Women into its Constitution in 2005.
7. The Committee congratulates the State party on the imminent establishment of the steering committee responsible for the
implementation of Security Council resolution 1325 (2000).
Principal areas of concern and recommendations
9. While recalling the obligation of the State party to implement all the provisions of the Convention systematically and continuously, the
Committee views the concerns and recommendations identified in the present concluding observations as requiring the priority attention
of the State party. Consequently, the Committee calls on the State party to focus on those areas in its implementation activities and to
report on action taken and results achieved in its next periodic report. It also calls on the State party to submit the present concluding
observations to all relevant ministries, to Parliament and the judiciary in order to ensure their effective implementation.
10. Considering that 90 per cent of the Burundian population live in rural areas, including a large proportion of women, the Committee
requests that the State party take note that these recommendations also apply particularly to rural women.
Click here to read more »
Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women
Fortieth session
14 January-1 February 2008
Concluding comments of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women
Burundi
Introduction
2. The Committee expresses its appreciation to the State party for its combined second, third and fourth periodic report. While
appreciating the candour of the report, the Committee nonetheless regrets that it was overdue, did not comply fully with the Committee’s
guidelines for the preparation of periodic reports nor refer to the Committee’s general recommendations and did not contain enough
statistical data disaggregated by sex.
3. The Committee thanks the State party for submitting its written replies to the list of issues and questions sent by the Committee’s
pre-session working group, but regrets that these replies were submitted late and did not completely answer all the questions. It
expresses its appreciation to the State party for its oral presentation and the further clarifications given, but notes that some questions
remained unanswered.
Positive aspects
6. The Committee welcomes the fact that the State party incorporated the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination
against Women into its Constitution in 2005.
7. The Committee congratulates the State party on the imminent establishment of the steering committee responsible for the
implementation of Security Council resolution 1325 (2000).
Principal areas of concern and recommendations
9. While recalling the obligation of the State party to implement all the provisions of the Convention systematically and continuously, the
Committee views the concerns and recommendations identified in the present concluding observations as requiring the priority attention
of the State party. Consequently, the Committee calls on the State party to focus on those areas in its implementation activities and to
report on action taken and results achieved in its next periodic report. It also calls on the State party to submit the present concluding
observations to all relevant ministries, to Parliament and the judiciary in order to ensure their effective implementation.
10. Considering that 90 per cent of the Burundian population live in rural areas, including a large proportion of women, the Committee
requests that the State party take note that these recommendations also apply particularly to rural women.
Click here to read more »
Freedom In The World 2009 Report
Political Rights Score: 4
Civil Liberties Score: 5
Status: Partly Free
Trend Arrow
Burundi received a downward trend arrow due to the lack of progress on the establishment of an independent electoral
commission as well as the authorities’ crackdown on opposition political activity.
Overview
Burundi’s tortuous progress toward political reconciliation and peace continued in 2008. In the spring, violence flared between
government soldiers and the last rebel group, the National Liberation Forces (FNL). Nonetheless, FNL leader Agathon Rwasa returned to
the capital in late May to participate in negotiations on the demobilization of his guerrillas and the transformation of the FNL into a
political party. These discussions were complicated by complaints over repressive actions taken by the ruling party and counterclaims
that the FNL was continuing to recruit military cadres. Concerns also grew over the failure of the government to appoint an independent
election commission.
In the spring of 2008, violence flared again between government soldiers and the FNL, which operated in territory near the capital. In
addition, the Constitutional Court ruled in favor of a government claim that a number of lawmakers should be replaced by government
supporters. Nonetheless, FNL leader Agathon Rwasa returned to Bujumbura in late May to participate in negotiations on the
demobilization of his guerrillas and the transformation of the FNL into a political party. These discussions were continuing at year’s end,
but were complicated by complaints regarding repressive actions taken by the CNDD such as the arrest of a well-know journalist and
opposition political leader in November, and counterclaims that the FNL was continuing to recruit military cadres.
An annual per capita gross domestic product of $700 places Burundi among the poorest countries in the world. Food prices increased
sharply during 2008, with the cost of beans and cassava rising by 52 and 22 percent, respectively, over 2007 prices.
Burundi is an electoral democracy. In 2005, citizens were able to change their government democratically. Restrictions on political
parties were lifted, and parties and civic organizations now function with greater freedom than previously. Burundi currently has
representative institutions at the local, municipal, and national levels, in both the legislative and executive branches of government. The
electoral commission that organized the 2005 elections was later dissolved. Observers expressed increasing concern about the scheduled
2010 presidential and parliamentary elections in light of the inability of the government to appoint a new independent electoral
commission.
Click here to read more »
Political Rights Score: 4
Civil Liberties Score: 5
Status: Partly Free
Trend Arrow
Burundi received a downward trend arrow due to the lack of progress on the establishment of an independent electoral
commission as well as the authorities’ crackdown on opposition political activity.
Overview
Burundi’s tortuous progress toward political reconciliation and peace continued in 2008. In the spring, violence flared between
government soldiers and the last rebel group, the National Liberation Forces (FNL). Nonetheless, FNL leader Agathon Rwasa returned to
the capital in late May to participate in negotiations on the demobilization of his guerrillas and the transformation of the FNL into a
political party. These discussions were complicated by complaints over repressive actions taken by the ruling party and counterclaims
that the FNL was continuing to recruit military cadres. Concerns also grew over the failure of the government to appoint an independent
election commission.
In the spring of 2008, violence flared again between government soldiers and the FNL, which operated in territory near the capital. In
addition, the Constitutional Court ruled in favor of a government claim that a number of lawmakers should be replaced by government
supporters. Nonetheless, FNL leader Agathon Rwasa returned to Bujumbura in late May to participate in negotiations on the
demobilization of his guerrillas and the transformation of the FNL into a political party. These discussions were continuing at year’s end,
but were complicated by complaints regarding repressive actions taken by the CNDD such as the arrest of a well-know journalist and
opposition political leader in November, and counterclaims that the FNL was continuing to recruit military cadres.
An annual per capita gross domestic product of $700 places Burundi among the poorest countries in the world. Food prices increased
sharply during 2008, with the cost of beans and cassava rising by 52 and 22 percent, respectively, over 2007 prices.
Burundi is an electoral democracy. In 2005, citizens were able to change their government democratically. Restrictions on political
parties were lifted, and parties and civic organizations now function with greater freedom than previously. Burundi currently has
representative institutions at the local, municipal, and national levels, in both the legislative and executive branches of government. The
electoral commission that organized the 2005 elections was later dissolved. Observers expressed increasing concern about the scheduled
2010 presidential and parliamentary elections in light of the inability of the government to appoint a new independent electoral
commission.
Click here to read more »
24 April 2009
Burundi: New legislation abolishes death penalty; bans homosexuality
Amnesty International today said that the adoption of a new Criminal Code in Burundi is a cause for celebration and disappointment.
On the one hand, the new code abolishes the death penalty and makestorture, genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity
punishable offences. On the other hand, it outlaws homosexuality.
Amnesty International welcomed the abolition of the death penalty in Burundi, saying that it further strengthens the international trend
away from executions.
But the organization said this good news is undermined by the government’s decision to criminalize homosexuality, in violation of
Burundi’s obligations under international and regional human rights law. It also flies in the face of Burundi’s constitution, which
guarantees the right to privacy.
According to the penal code, those found guilty of engaging in consensual same sex relations risk imprisonment of two to three years
and a fine of 50,000 to 100,000 Burundian francs (42 to 84 US dollars). Amnesty International is concerned that this new legislative
provision will result in the imprisonment of people solely for their actual or imputed sexual orientation, including for private sexual
relations between consenting adults. Amnesty International calls on the authorities to remove the restrictive provision from the law.
Background
Burundi becomes the 93 country in the world to abolish the death penalty for all crimes. The last executions of people sentenced to death
by civilian courts were carried out in 1997, when six people were executed after grossly unfair trials. A local human rights organization
stated at the end of 2008 that there were approximately 800 people on death row.
The criminalization of homosexuality is discriminatory and contrary to Burundi’s obligations under the International Covenant on Civil
and Political Rights (ICCPR), which protects the rights to freedom from discrimination (articles 2 and 26), freedom of expression
(article 19), freedom from arbitrary interference with the right to privacy (article 17) and freedom of conscience (article 18).
Article 2 of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights prohibits discrimination, article 3 promises every individual equality
before the law and article 26 prescribes that “Every individual shall have the duty to respect and consider his fellow beings without
discrimination, and to maintain relations aimed at promoting, safeguarding and reinforcing mutual respect and tolerance.” The Executive
Council of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, in their tenth ordinary session stated that “Together with equality
before the law and equal protection of the law, the principle of non-discrimination provided under Article 2 of the Charter provides the
foundation for the enjoyment of all human rights…The aim of this principle is to ensure equality of treatment for individuals irrespective
of nationality, sex, racial or ethnic origin, political opinion, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation.”
Click here to read more »
Burundi: New legislation abolishes death penalty; bans homosexuality
Amnesty International today said that the adoption of a new Criminal Code in Burundi is a cause for celebration and disappointment.
On the one hand, the new code abolishes the death penalty and makestorture, genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity
punishable offences. On the other hand, it outlaws homosexuality.
Amnesty International welcomed the abolition of the death penalty in Burundi, saying that it further strengthens the international trend
away from executions.
But the organization said this good news is undermined by the government’s decision to criminalize homosexuality, in violation of
Burundi’s obligations under international and regional human rights law. It also flies in the face of Burundi’s constitution, which
guarantees the right to privacy.
According to the penal code, those found guilty of engaging in consensual same sex relations risk imprisonment of two to three years
and a fine of 50,000 to 100,000 Burundian francs (42 to 84 US dollars). Amnesty International is concerned that this new legislative
provision will result in the imprisonment of people solely for their actual or imputed sexual orientation, including for private sexual
relations between consenting adults. Amnesty International calls on the authorities to remove the restrictive provision from the law.
Background
Burundi becomes the 93 country in the world to abolish the death penalty for all crimes. The last executions of people sentenced to death
by civilian courts were carried out in 1997, when six people were executed after grossly unfair trials. A local human rights organization
stated at the end of 2008 that there were approximately 800 people on death row.
The criminalization of homosexuality is discriminatory and contrary to Burundi’s obligations under the International Covenant on Civil
and Political Rights (ICCPR), which protects the rights to freedom from discrimination (articles 2 and 26), freedom of expression
(article 19), freedom from arbitrary interference with the right to privacy (article 17) and freedom of conscience (article 18).
Article 2 of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights prohibits discrimination, article 3 promises every individual equality
before the law and article 26 prescribes that “Every individual shall have the duty to respect and consider his fellow beings without
discrimination, and to maintain relations aimed at promoting, safeguarding and reinforcing mutual respect and tolerance.” The Executive
Council of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, in their tenth ordinary session stated that “Together with equality
before the law and equal protection of the law, the principle of non-discrimination provided under Article 2 of the Charter provides the
foundation for the enjoyment of all human rights…The aim of this principle is to ensure equality of treatment for individuals irrespective
of nationality, sex, racial or ethnic origin, political opinion, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation.”
Click here to read more »
Burundi: Stop Deporting Rwandan Asylum Seekers
Forced Return after Rwandan Pressure Violates National and International Refugee Law
December 2, 2009
(Bujumbura) - Burundi's government should immediately reverse a new policy of deporting Rwandan asylum seekers without
considering their cases, Human Rights Watch said today. On November 27, 2009, Interior Minister Edouard Nduwimana ordered police
to return 103 asylum seekers to Rwanda, in violation of international law.
Burundi's decision came days after an official delegation from Rwanda told the Burundian government that recently arrived Rwandans
should be sent back to Rwanda, the Burundi state news agency reported. Officials were quoted as saying that they wanted to protect
Rwanda's international image as a peaceful country that does not produce refugees. Several Burundian officials, who asked not to be
named for fear of retaliation, told Human Rights Watch that Rwanda had an important role in the returns.
"Asylum seekers are entitled to an objective assessment of whether they would face persecution upon returning home," said Georgette
Gagnon, Africa director at Human Rights Watch. "Both national and international law guarantee these assessments, and Rwanda and
Burundi should not be meddling in the process."
The 103 deported asylum seekers were among several hundred Rwandans who fled to Burundi's northern provinces of Kirundo and
Ngozi, most between July and September. In October, Human Rights Watch interviewed several Rwandan asylum seekers in Kirundo
province, some of whom appeared to have credible fears of persecution in Rwanda, including the risk of being unlawfully tried twice
for the same crime by Rwanda's community-based gacaca courts and the fear of being "disappeared." Some reported that fellow
villagers had been taken at night from their homes in Rwanda's Southern province by unknown persons or by local defense forces.
Although 60 families (approximately 115 people) who said they were fleeing violence and repression in Rwanda managed to claim
asylum in late October, others, perhaps owing to a fear of immediate deportation, did not come forward to lodge their claims until
November 10.
On November 17, Interior Minister Edouard Nduwimana told Human Rights Watch that the claims of this latter group had been filed "too
late" and that the Rwandans would be deported. He informed Human Rights Watch that no new cases would be heard, explaining, "We
consider them illegals. We spent enough time waiting for them to come forward. They should have taken that responsibility."
Nduwimana signed a communiqué confirming his decision on November 23, four days before the Rwandans were deported.
Click here to read more »
Forced Return after Rwandan Pressure Violates National and International Refugee Law
December 2, 2009
(Bujumbura) - Burundi's government should immediately reverse a new policy of deporting Rwandan asylum seekers without
considering their cases, Human Rights Watch said today. On November 27, 2009, Interior Minister Edouard Nduwimana ordered police
to return 103 asylum seekers to Rwanda, in violation of international law.
Burundi's decision came days after an official delegation from Rwanda told the Burundian government that recently arrived Rwandans
should be sent back to Rwanda, the Burundi state news agency reported. Officials were quoted as saying that they wanted to protect
Rwanda's international image as a peaceful country that does not produce refugees. Several Burundian officials, who asked not to be
named for fear of retaliation, told Human Rights Watch that Rwanda had an important role in the returns.
"Asylum seekers are entitled to an objective assessment of whether they would face persecution upon returning home," said Georgette
Gagnon, Africa director at Human Rights Watch. "Both national and international law guarantee these assessments, and Rwanda and
Burundi should not be meddling in the process."
The 103 deported asylum seekers were among several hundred Rwandans who fled to Burundi's northern provinces of Kirundo and
Ngozi, most between July and September. In October, Human Rights Watch interviewed several Rwandan asylum seekers in Kirundo
province, some of whom appeared to have credible fears of persecution in Rwanda, including the risk of being unlawfully tried twice
for the same crime by Rwanda's community-based gacaca courts and the fear of being "disappeared." Some reported that fellow
villagers had been taken at night from their homes in Rwanda's Southern province by unknown persons or by local defense forces.
Although 60 families (approximately 115 people) who said they were fleeing violence and repression in Rwanda managed to claim
asylum in late October, others, perhaps owing to a fear of immediate deportation, did not come forward to lodge their claims until
November 10.
On November 17, Interior Minister Edouard Nduwimana told Human Rights Watch that the claims of this latter group had been filed "too
late" and that the Rwandans would be deported. He informed Human Rights Watch that no new cases would be heard, explaining, "We
consider them illegals. We spent enough time waiting for them to come forward. They should have taken that responsibility."
Nduwimana signed a communiqué confirming his decision on November 23, four days before the Rwandans were deported.
Click here to read more »
2010-02-01 10:07:00
Burundi leader promises free election
By Zephania Ubwani, Arusha
President Pierre Nkurunziza of Burundi has promised that elections to be held in the country later this year would be free and fair. He
said the Burundian people were so far happy with the progress of preparations for the elections whose date he did not mention.
"The elections will be free, fair and transparent so as to make the country a more viable and active partner in the East African
Community," he said in his speech made available to The Citizen.
The Burundian leader made the remarks in Bujumbura when addressing the fifth inter-parliamentary relations seminar for the East
African Legislative Assembly (Eala) EAC partner states national assemblies last week.
He appealed to the EAC to support Burundi in terms of funds, materials and observer status as the country moved towards lasting
stability. He commended Eala, the regional legislature, for having Burundi "at heart"and successfully organising seminars for regional
parliamentarians.
The seminars, President Nkurunziza pointed out, have proved to be a successful meeting point for sharing experiences and discussing
issues pertaining to EAC integration.
The theme of the seminar, commonly known as the Nanyuki series is The Common Market Protocol: Prospects, Challenges and
Opportunities. President Nkurunziza emphasised the need to have the Common Market whose protocol was signed by the five heads of
state last November ratified by the partner states as soon as possible.
This, according to him, would enable the pact to support businesses in the region �as the protocol enshrines fundamental freedoms of
goods, persons, labour, capital and services as well as rights of establishment and residence."
He promised his country would ratify the trade pact instruments ratified and deposited with the EAC secretariat in Arusha by April 30th
this year. Burundi alongside with Rwanda joined EAC in July 2007.
The Inter-Parliamentary Relations Seminar idea was conceived in Nanyuki, Kenya, in 2003 and it was resolved that the important activity
be carried out on an annual basis in the respective member countries.
Click here to read more »
Burundi leader promises free election
By Zephania Ubwani, Arusha
President Pierre Nkurunziza of Burundi has promised that elections to be held in the country later this year would be free and fair. He
said the Burundian people were so far happy with the progress of preparations for the elections whose date he did not mention.
"The elections will be free, fair and transparent so as to make the country a more viable and active partner in the East African
Community," he said in his speech made available to The Citizen.
The Burundian leader made the remarks in Bujumbura when addressing the fifth inter-parliamentary relations seminar for the East
African Legislative Assembly (Eala) EAC partner states national assemblies last week.
He appealed to the EAC to support Burundi in terms of funds, materials and observer status as the country moved towards lasting
stability. He commended Eala, the regional legislature, for having Burundi "at heart"and successfully organising seminars for regional
parliamentarians.
The seminars, President Nkurunziza pointed out, have proved to be a successful meeting point for sharing experiences and discussing
issues pertaining to EAC integration.
The theme of the seminar, commonly known as the Nanyuki series is The Common Market Protocol: Prospects, Challenges and
Opportunities. President Nkurunziza emphasised the need to have the Common Market whose protocol was signed by the five heads of
state last November ratified by the partner states as soon as possible.
This, according to him, would enable the pact to support businesses in the region �as the protocol enshrines fundamental freedoms of
goods, persons, labour, capital and services as well as rights of establishment and residence."
He promised his country would ratify the trade pact instruments ratified and deposited with the EAC secretariat in Arusha by April 30th
this year. Burundi alongside with Rwanda joined EAC in July 2007.
The Inter-Parliamentary Relations Seminar idea was conceived in Nanyuki, Kenya, in 2003 and it was resolved that the important activity
be carried out on an annual basis in the respective member countries.
Click here to read more »
TRANSLATED FROM FRENCH BY GOOGLE TRANSLATE
Human Rights: the fight against torture is launched
Written by Christian Bigirimana
Thursday, 07 January 2010 05:25
Mrs. Rose Nduwayo, Minister for Human Rights Human Person and Gender: "We welcome those who have done this work."
The Ministry for Human Rights Human Person and Gender organized a workshop to validate the 1st periodic report of Burundi on the
Convention against Torture and Other Cruel. Civil society welcomes the step taken but promises to write his own report which will
include the inventory.
"The goal of this workshop is to answer the concerns of the Committee Against Torture (CAT). These are the words of the Minister of
Human Rights Human and Gender at the opening of the Workshop, this Tuesday, December 29, 2009. According to Rose Nduwayo,
2006 is that Burundi has submitted its initial report, 13 years after the ratification of the Convention against torture. But she said that the
country could not honor its commitments in the fight against torture because he was going through a socio-political crisis that does not
allow him to do. Madam Minister added that the dialogue between the Committee and his delegation had ended with conclusions and
recommendations that Burundi should be implemented to address the concerns of the committee.
She recalled a few items such as integration of the definition of torture that Burundi should be included in the new Penal Code, the period
of detention, expulsion, refoulement and extradition, the suppression of acts of torture, etc..
A more theoretical than practical
Mrs. Rose Nduwayo ended his speech by welcoming the new Penal Code of April 22, 2009 has made torture a crime That is, for her,
much of the response to the Convention.
The work then continued with the presentation of the report itself followed by a discussion and exchange. It was presented by the
Director of Cabinet, Ministry of Human Rights Human Person and Gender. Guy Michel Mfatiye returned to the definition of torture.
He recalled that the Constitution of Burundi from March 18, 2005 incorporates this definition in its provisions in Article 25. This
stipulates that no person shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment. According to the Chief of Staff,
Burundi has made significant progress in this area.
Click here to read more »
Human Rights: the fight against torture is launched
Written by Christian Bigirimana
Thursday, 07 January 2010 05:25
Mrs. Rose Nduwayo, Minister for Human Rights Human Person and Gender: "We welcome those who have done this work."
The Ministry for Human Rights Human Person and Gender organized a workshop to validate the 1st periodic report of Burundi on the
Convention against Torture and Other Cruel. Civil society welcomes the step taken but promises to write his own report which will
include the inventory.
"The goal of this workshop is to answer the concerns of the Committee Against Torture (CAT). These are the words of the Minister of
Human Rights Human and Gender at the opening of the Workshop, this Tuesday, December 29, 2009. According to Rose Nduwayo,
2006 is that Burundi has submitted its initial report, 13 years after the ratification of the Convention against torture. But she said that the
country could not honor its commitments in the fight against torture because he was going through a socio-political crisis that does not
allow him to do. Madam Minister added that the dialogue between the Committee and his delegation had ended with conclusions and
recommendations that Burundi should be implemented to address the concerns of the committee.
She recalled a few items such as integration of the definition of torture that Burundi should be included in the new Penal Code, the period
of detention, expulsion, refoulement and extradition, the suppression of acts of torture, etc..
A more theoretical than practical
Mrs. Rose Nduwayo ended his speech by welcoming the new Penal Code of April 22, 2009 has made torture a crime That is, for her,
much of the response to the Convention.
The work then continued with the presentation of the report itself followed by a discussion and exchange. It was presented by the
Director of Cabinet, Ministry of Human Rights Human Person and Gender. Guy Michel Mfatiye returned to the definition of torture.
He recalled that the Constitution of Burundi from March 18, 2005 incorporates this definition in its provisions in Article 25. This
stipulates that no person shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment. According to the Chief of Staff,
Burundi has made significant progress in this area.
Click here to read more »
TRANSLATED FROM FRENCH BY GOOGLE TRANSLATE
The political party MSD is the victim of a new form of harassment
21 February 2010
After a series of "political gymnastics" to deny the Agreement of MSD political party (Movement for Solidarity and Democracy MSD)
and politico-legal harassment of its members and its President Mr. Alexis Sinduhije has even been a few months Central Prison Mpimba
sentences that party does not end yet. Tomorrow's energy, enthusiasm is the party to undergo another form of violence and intimidation.
In matinnée of February 21, 2010, in City of Gishubi, party officials were stunned MSD five seals filled with human waste deposited in
the office of the permanent members were preparing to open the same day. The scandal has stunned the public complained one acted as
ridiculous on the part of its author.
During the same day, a chief hill town Bukeye Muramvya descended and tried to tear the flag of that party. Were the Rapid Intervention
Police, the offender would face mob justice activists and supporters angry that acted against incense.
Two days after these incidents regrettable, supporters and party activists in urban district of Kamenge, we Mairie de Bujumbura, woke
up Wednesday, February 24, 2010 finding all the signs and missing entries, deleted the walls of offices Permanent.
Faced with this situation, the party chairman MSD Alexis Sinduhije reacts and attributes the plot to militants CNDD-FDD has a horror,
according to him, fair competition and short arguments to convince the electorate.
Click here to read more>>
The political party MSD is the victim of a new form of harassment
21 February 2010
After a series of "political gymnastics" to deny the Agreement of MSD political party (Movement for Solidarity and Democracy MSD)
and politico-legal harassment of its members and its President Mr. Alexis Sinduhije has even been a few months Central Prison Mpimba
sentences that party does not end yet. Tomorrow's energy, enthusiasm is the party to undergo another form of violence and intimidation.
In matinnée of February 21, 2010, in City of Gishubi, party officials were stunned MSD five seals filled with human waste deposited in
the office of the permanent members were preparing to open the same day. The scandal has stunned the public complained one acted as
ridiculous on the part of its author.
During the same day, a chief hill town Bukeye Muramvya descended and tried to tear the flag of that party. Were the Rapid Intervention
Police, the offender would face mob justice activists and supporters angry that acted against incense.
Two days after these incidents regrettable, supporters and party activists in urban district of Kamenge, we Mairie de Bujumbura, woke
up Wednesday, February 24, 2010 finding all the signs and missing entries, deleted the walls of offices Permanent.
Faced with this situation, the party chairman MSD Alexis Sinduhije reacts and attributes the plot to militants CNDD-FDD has a horror,
according to him, fair competition and short arguments to convince the electorate.
Click here to read more>>
| Click map for larger view |
| Click flag for Country Report |
Yves Savinguvu (Tutsi)
First Vice President since 9 November 2007
First Vice President since 9 November 2007
| TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS |
Current situation: Burundi is a source country for children trafficked for the purposes of child soldiering, domestic servitude, and
commercial sexual exploitation; a small number of Burundian children may be trafficked internally for domestic servitude or
commercial sexual exploitation; in early 2008, Burundian children were allegedly trafficked to Uganda, via Rwanda, for agricultural
labor and commercial sexual exploitation
Tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Burundi is on the Tier 2 Watch List for the second consecutive year for its failure to provide
sufficient evidence of increasing efforts to combat trafficking in persons in 2007; the government's inability to provide adequate
protective services to children accused of association with armed groups and to conduct anti-trafficking law enforcement activities
continue to be causes for concern; Burundi has not ratified the 2000 UN TIP Protocol (2008)
commercial sexual exploitation; a small number of Burundian children may be trafficked internally for domestic servitude or
commercial sexual exploitation; in early 2008, Burundian children were allegedly trafficked to Uganda, via Rwanda, for agricultural
labor and commercial sexual exploitation
Tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Burundi is on the Tier 2 Watch List for the second consecutive year for its failure to provide
sufficient evidence of increasing efforts to combat trafficking in persons in 2007; the government's inability to provide adequate
protective services to children accused of association with armed groups and to conduct anti-trafficking law enforcement activities
continue to be causes for concern; Burundi has not ratified the 2000 UN TIP Protocol (2008)
Gabriel Ntisezerana (Hutu)
Second Vice President since 9 February 2007
Second Vice President since 9 February 2007
Pierre Nkurunziza
President since 26 August 2005
President since 26 August 2005
| SELECTION PROCESS |
