REPUBLIQUE DU MFA-MAGAZINE Nber 61 of 21st Febr 2020 Ministère des Affaires Etrangères

Bujumbura: The Head of State meets Representatives of reli- Sommaire page gious denominations in a moralization session

Bujumbura: Head of State meets representa- tives of religious de- 1 nominations in a mor- alization session

Bubanza: CNDD-FDD party members urged to 2 remain calm before, during and after 2020 elections

The Minister of Foreign Affairs invited to na- 3 tional assembly in ple- nary session on oral issues

he Head of State, His Excellency Pierre Nkurunziza, hosted the fourth ses- Coronavirus: China's T sion of moralization of the society on Friday, 21 February 2020 in Bujum- Ambassador to Burundi bura City Hall, towards certain Representatives of religious denominations tranquilizes parents with 5

students in China grouped within the African Ministry of compassion MAC. The Reverend Pastor Denise Nkurunziza took part in this session. At the end of the closed-door session, the Deputy Spokesperson of the Presi- dent of the Republic, Mr Alain Diomède Nzeyimana, said that these Religious Elections 2020: valida- tion of the insignia of Confessions set themselves the goal of working according to the theme ''unity in political parties and 6 the diversity'' coalitions

( source: www.rtnb.bi)

CNL: Hon. Agathon Rwasa nominated for 7 2020 presidential candi- date

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Bubanza: CNDD-FDD party members urged to remain calm before, during and after 2020 elections

the Sangwe cooperative on that hill. In com- mune, the Bagumyabanga inaugurated the hillperma- nences of , Buringa, Village 2, Village 3, Vil- lage 5 and the Gihanga Centre. One hundred and eighteen members from other political parties were welcomed in Gihanga. Wherever they inaugurated the collinary offices, the Bagumyabanga offered gifts to the Provincial Secre- tary of the CNDD-FDD party, a total of 5 cows, 10 goats and food baskets.

The President of the National Assembly, the Right Honourable Pascal Nyabenda member of the CNDD- he President of the National Assembly the FDD party and a native of that province, gave them T Right Honourable Pascal Nyabenda joined advice and showed them the behaviour to adopt during the Bagumyabanga of the CNDD-FDD party of this election period. on Saturday, 15 February 2020, The President of the National Assembly called on the in the inauguration of 11 hill offices in the munici- Bagumyabanga of Bubanza to remain calm before, palities of Mpanda and Gihanga. during and after the 2020 elections and to work hard to In Mpanda commune, the Bagumyabanga inaugu- emerge victorious. He also urged them to live peace- rated the permanences of the Nyomvyi, , fully with activists from other political parties during this Butembe, Gatagura and Masha hills. On this occa- sensitive period of elections sion, the Bagumyabanga welcomed new members ( source:www.rtnb.bi) from other political parties. On Nyomvyi Hill, the Provincial Secretary of the CNDD-FDD party awarded 40 goats to members of

Ministry in charge of Public Security: the form of the online criminal record extract

he Ministry of Public Security and Disaster Man- T agement has decided to put online the criminal record extract form on the website www.sécuritepublique.gov.bi of the Ministry of Public Security and Disaster Management in order to make it easier for applicants for this document. The Spokesperson of this Ministry OPC1 Pierre Nku- rikiye announced it in a statement made public on Fri- day, February 21, 2020. OPC1 Pierre Nkurikiye pointed out that on the website of this Ministry there are two versions of French and English and that by clicking we see a form. Aftercom- pletingit, weprint and sign. He indicated that the applicants will go to the Office of the General Judicial Police simply for signature. OPC1 st Page 3 MFA-MAGAZINE Nbr 61 OF 21 Febr 2020

Pierre Nkurikiye has indicated that they must carry visas, etc. the complete file: the photocopy of the CNI (national OPC1 Pierre Nkurikiye also indicated that the criminal identity card), the release of the OBR certifying that record extract will always remain online. The offices of the document is paid as well as a passport photo. the Office of the General Judicial Police will be open The Spokesperson of the Ministry of Public Security every day including Saturdays from 9 a.m. until the and Disaster Management has specified that appli- number of applicants decreases. He added that pro- cants must mention the reason for the request vincial one-stop shops are still functional for those whether it is for political reasons, job applications, within the country. (source: www.rtnb.bi)

The Minister of Foreign Affairs invited to National Assembly in plenary session devoted to oral ques- tions

n Tuesday, February 18, 2020, His Excellency O Ambassador Ezekiel NIBIGIRA, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Burundi, was the guest at the National Assembly, where he had gone to answer oral questions from the Honourable Parlia- mentarians at the Kigobe Congress Palace. This plenary session was devoted to oral questions relating to diplomacy. The Minister of Foreign Affairs provided answers on issues related to Burundi's dip- lomatic relations with other countries; cooperation relations in the areas of health, education, trade, the

movement of people and the migration of Burundian labour to other countries. (MFA-Newsroom)

ADB/ Burundi : Signing of a donation agreement

he Government of Burundi, represented by Tanganyika. T Finance, Budget and Development Coopera- Minister Domitien Ndihokubwayo and the African De- tion Minister Dr Domitien Ndihokubwayo and the velopment Bank Official have indicated that this pro- Country Manager of the African Development Bank ject will bring greater value to the Burundian popula- (ADB), signed a Donation Agreement on Tuesday tion. (Source:www.rtnb.bi) (February 18, 2020) to Fund the first phase of the Transportation Corridor Development Project on Lake st MFA-MAGAZINE Nbr 61 OF 21 Febr 2020 Page 4

Production for the 2020 A agricultural season is satisfactory

nvironment, Agriculture and Livestock Minister make a rousing appeal to farmers not to waste pro- E Dr Deo Guide Rurema hosted a press briefing duction and to avoid fraudulent trade in food prod- on production for the 2020 A agricultural season on ucts with neighbouring countries. "The manufacture Wednesday, 19 February 2020. For the Minister, pro- of traditional corn kernel-based beverages will also duction is satisfactory especially for cereals and tu- have to be combated to avoid any form of waste of bers. production," warned the Minister. During the press briefing, Minister Deo Guide Rurema The Minister of Environment, Agriculture and Live- explained that cereals including maize and rice and stock has called on coffee farmers to prepare well for tubers, namely cassava, sweet potato, potato and the soon-to-start coffee 2020-2021 campaign and to yams, have been produced satisfactorily. However, move in line with the Government's new direction to the Minister pointed out that low production has been develop the coffee sector. noted for crops that do not withstand high rainfall. This Asked what is the state of the art of the process of is particularly the case for beans, whose production eradicating plastic bags, the Minister in charge of the was slightly low compared to the production that was Environment indicated that the fight against these expected to. products is about to be won. According to Minister Deo Guide Rurema, in addition He explained that the factories that made plastic to the Government's efforts, the good agricultural bags in Burundi closed, noting that statistics also practices of the producers popularized by the Ministry show that imports of plastic bags have decreased and which aim to protect watersheds and arable soils significantly. such as anti-erosive control, planting of agro-forest He concluded by promising that the Department un- trees have also contributed to the increase in produc- der his responsibility will spare no effort to provide tion. outreach to inquire about the challenges producers He commended the multifaceted support of technical face and to find appropriate responses to the various and financial partners and their good cooperation, constraints. which is in line with the Government's priorities. "The (source: www.rtnb.bi) synergy and complementarity highlighted have im- proved the conditions and well-being of the low- income producer," said the Minister. Minister Deo Guide Rurema seized this opportunity to st Page 5 MFA-MAGAZINE Nbr 61 OF 21 Febr 2020

Coronavirus: China's Ambassador to Burundi tranquilizes parents with students in China

he Ambassador of the People's Republic of dents in China," reassured the Chinese Ambassador to T China in Burundi H.E. Li Changlin held a Burundi. press briefing on Monday, February 17, 2020 to He pointed out that foreign students have been incorpo- calm the Burundian population in general and par- rated into China's mechanisms and systems for prevent- ents with children studying in China in particular, ing and controlling the epidemic. According to Ambassa- compared to coronavirus outbreak. H.E. Li Chan- dor Li Changlin, these foreign students are entitled to the glin reassures that China is a responsible and hos- various services offered in special circumstances. This is pitable country. According to H.E Li Changlin, the the distribution of protective equipment in the provision Chinese Government attaches great importance to of free meals and in the delivery of products at home. the safety and health of foreign students in China. He suggested that international students are in good At the press briefing, Ambassador Li Changlin said hands and that they are advised to stay put and strictly that with the mobilization of material, human and follow instructions. This is the best way to protect your- technical resources, China has achieved positive self and others, the Ambassador said. results in preventing and controlling the epidemic. After an inspection visit by Ambassador Li Changlin to He said that the Chinese have seen a decrease in Melchior Ndadaye International Airport in Bujumbura and recent cases in recent days not only in Wuhan city, Prince Regent Charles Hospital with officials from the the cradle of this epidemic but also in the rest of Ministry of Public Health and AIDS and officials from the country, which is encouraging, the Ambassa- World Health Organization , he said that the Embassy dor said. has already installed a sign in the lobby of the airport He said about 10,000 patients recovered and were advising passengers from China. discharged from the hospital. "This proves suffi- As for Burundian students who have returned from ciently that the disease is preventable, controllable China since February 1, 2020, Ambassador Li Changlin and curable," the Ambassador stressed. He also said that precautionary and quarantine measures are indicated that the current objective is to improve needed against them.. admission and follow-up rates as well as to reduce Ambassador Li Changlin advises them to limit outings, infection and mortality rates. not to make visits, not to participate in gatherings and to H.E. Li Changlin took the opportunity to deliver a take the temperature twice a day for 14 days. "It is also reassuring message, first of all to Burundian stu- recommended that they maintain close communication dents living in China and their parents living in Bu- with their universities to find out the date of the start of rundi. "China is a responsible and hospitable coun- the school year," concluded the Ambassador Li Chan- try. The Chinese Government attaches great im- glin. (source: www.rtnb.bi) portance to the safety and health of foreign stu- st MFA-MAGAZINE Nbr 61 OF 21 Febr 2020 Page 6

Elections 2020: validation of the insignia of political parties and coalitions

he Independent National Electoral Commission pendent candidates, representatives of political par- T (CENI) held a meeting on Tuesday, 18 Febru- ties and coalitions of political parties. ary 2020, with the leaders of Burundi's approved po- Dr Pierre Claver KAZIHISE indicated that the draw litical parties, political party coalitions and independ- took place while some candidates had not yet submit- ent candidates in the 2020 elections. The purpose of ted their badges. But as the filing of the files is not yet this meeting was to analyse together the badges filed complete, the CENI continues to receive the files of with the CENI with a view to validating them and to the candidates, reassured Dr. Pierre Claver KAZI- proceed with the draw of the order numbers on the HISE. He added that these candidates will neverthe- ballot paper. less get order numbers that are in addition to those CENI President Dr Pierre Claver KAZIHISE recalled that are already there. that the final number of voters is 5,126,351 and that Regarding candidates who can withdraw after the there will be a total of 14,718 polling stations. He also ballots are printed, Dr. Pierre Claver KAZIHISE has said that the meeting was a good opportunity to vali- indicated that they will face the rigor of the law. Ac- date the insignia of political parties, coalitions of po- cording to him, Article 104 of the electoral code stipu- litical parties and independent candidates that they lates that whoever made the CENI spend unneces- will use in the next elections. These badges will be sarily will reimburse the amount used. This means put on the ballot paper, said the President of CENI. In that candidates or future candidates who will with- this way, voters will be able to recognize that the draw before the CENI finalizes the ballots, they will badge of such corresponds to the candidate, he said. not have any problems. After the ballots are printed, Dr. Pierre Claver KAZIHISE explained to the partici- the failed candidate will reimburse CENI for the pants that it was first a matter of recognising their amount spent, the President of the CENI said. badges and secondly of analysing together if there As a reminder, the dates for submitting the 2020 are similar badges as this can cause confusion at the presidential nominations are set from February 25, level of voters who may not distinguish candidates. 2020 to March 05, 2020; for MPs and Senators, According to the President of the CENI, there are not nomination dates are set from February 25, 2020 to so many similarities in the badges, even if there are March 5, 2020, and The Municipal Councillors, the some who are close, there really could not be any dates for nominations are set from February 25, 2020 confusion. And the badges have been validated. to March 5, 2020. (source: www.rtnb.bi) The CENI also proceeded with the draw to determine the order of applications. The procedure was for the order of numbers to be drawn at random by inde- st Page 7 MFA-MAGAZINE Nbr 61 OF 21 Febr 2020

CNL: Hon. AgathonRwasa nominated for 2020 presidential candidate

he National Congress Party for Freedom (CNL) tion and rebuilding Burundi as a dignified and re- T organized Sunday, February 16, 2020, the ex- spected country. traordinary congress in Bujumbura City Hall. At the The new candidate of the CNL party thanked the end of the congress, Honorable Agathon Rwasa was delegates who were willing to place their confidence nominated as a 2020 presidential candidate. in him to represent the party in the 2020 presidential The President of the CNL Party at the national level election. has indicated that this day is a deadline to elect the party's candidate in the 2020 presidential elections. Honorable Agathon Rwasa recalled that for peace The day also coincides with the first anniversary of not to be a slogan, it is essential that all people be the party's approval by the Ministry of Home Affairs, respected in all their rights and freedoms. Hate Patriotic Training and Local Development, he added. speech, marginalization and dehumanization must be After the opening ceremonies, the 2020 presidential prohibited and repressed because all human beings candidate's nomination session continued behind are born in the same way and must be equal before closed doors. the law, said Honorable Agathon Rwasa. He called After the meeting, the Chairman of the Organising on the administrators at the base to serve the people, Committee, Mr Felix Mpozeriniga, said that the meet- to renounce the malicious acts of mistreating citi- ing of the party's political bureau had nominated Hon- zens. orable Agathon Rwasa as a 2020 presidential candi- To close, Honorable Agathon Rwasa, the 2020 presi- date. He added that the delegates approved 100% of dential candidate, invited the Burundian people to the proposal of the political office nominating Honor- come together, without distinction of any kind, to ac- able Agathon Rwasa as the candidate of the CNL tively participate in community work to rehabilitate Party in the 2020 presidential election. roads. Communal. For, he said, soon the various After reading the minutes of the congress, Diplomats political parties will travel all over the country to cam- accredited in Burundi and Representatives of other paign for elections in order to explain to voters their political parties working in Burundi congratulated the social plans. According to him, this campaign will new candidate of the CNL party. take place during the rainy season. In his occasional speech, Honorable Agathon Rwasa Diplomats accredited in Burundi and Representatives has announced that the CNL Party has taken another of other political parties working in Burundi have in- important step solemnly announcing its full and firm creased their presence in this activity. will to participate in the 2020 elections. According to him, the aim is to provide Burundi with institutions (source: www.rtnb.bi) and leaders capable of uplifting the country's situa- st Page 8 MFA-MAGAZINE Nbr 61 OF 21 Febr 2020