MFA-MAGAZINE Nber 63 of 6Th March 2020 Ministry of Foreign Affairs

REPUBLIC OF BURUNDI MFA-MAGAZINE Nber 63 of 6th March 2020 Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Summary page Kayanza: Head of state officially launches macadamia

gave thanks to God who granted Bu- Kayanza: Head of state rundi a climate and soil favorable to officially launches 1 macadamia agriculture where several kinds of crops grow. He welcomed the initiative of the Minis- Kirundo: Head of State inaugurates Buvyukana try of Environment, Agriculture and 2 mining site Livestock, which has in its program the extension of this export plant through-

out the country and which has decided Ngozi/Rutanga : Head of to make it a national program. state launches crop he Head of State His Excellency For His Excellency Pierre Nkurunziza, season B 3

T Pierre Nkurunziza on Wednes- the macadamia will be able to provide day, 4 March 2020, officially launched the country with foreign currency in Visit of the delegation of the macadamia industry in Burundi. addition to its nutritional content that the Advisory Council for This event took place on Gashibuka will benefit the Burundian population. Women, Peace and 4 Hill in Muhanga commune in Kayanza He recommended that every Burun- Security of the Great province. After the launch, two thou- dian grow this plant not only to sell it Lakes Region sand macadamia plants were planted but also to consume its products in on this hill. order to have good health. The Ministry in charge The Cooperative for the Promotion of 5 The Head of State gave a nod to the of Health prepares to Macadamia in Burundi macadamia farmers. He reminded deal with the coronavi- (COPROMABU) responsible for the them that production will depend on rus extension of this plant distributed at the the maintenance they have brought to same time seventeen thousand maca- this plant. And to invite them to grow CVR soon begins Mas- damia plants to other development macadamia on a large scale and take hitsi site 7 cooperatives that have, in their pro- care of this plant. grams, the development of this sector. The President of the Republic encour- According to COPROMABU officials, aged COPROMABU to move forward 1kg of macadamia costs between BIF in its macadamia extension business 2000 and 2500. They also explained and promised to stand by him to sup- that a macadamia plant produced after port him. 5 years between 20 and 50 kg but aged 10 years, it produces between 100 and 150kg of macadamia. As a thanks, COPROMABU officials On this occasion, the Head of State offered the Head of State a heifer in

Page 2 MFA-MAGAZINE Nbr 63 of 6th March 2020 the making.After Muhanga, the Head of State went party under construction in the capital of Kayanza to visit the provincial office of the CNNDD-FDD province. (source: www.rtnb.bi)

Kirundo: Head of State inaugurates Buvyukana mining site

"In addition to the profits that will be generated by its capital, the State of Burundi will benefit from taxes on exported mines, taxes on the profits of the company, taxes on the salaries of the employees of the company and the currencies that will return home." The Minister in charge of Energy also cites the construction of public infrastructure such as roads, schools, health centres, etc. he Head of State His Excellency Pierre Nku- T runziza on Tuesday, 3 March 2020, officially Regarding the families expropriated by this mine work, launched the exploitation of Colta and associated Minister Ir Côme Manirakiza said that any household minerals including Cassiterite and Wolframite on whose property will be affected by the work of these Buvyukana Hill in Ntega commune in the province deposits will be compensated. of Kirundo. According to His Excellency Pierre Nku- Speaking, Head of State His Excellency Pierre Nkurun- runziza, the mining sector is a key sector and the ziza said that the mining sector is a key sector in the country's future depends on it. lives of all countries of the world, explaining that the The representative of Ntega Mining Burundi, which settlement in Burundi was motivated by control of this won the mining market for these minerals, reiterated sector. He added that to achieve this, the colonizer the company's commitment to respect the operating introduced divisionist teachings that led to the disloca- contract with the State of Burundi. These include tion of Burundian society. The head of state pointed protecting the environment, protecting employees out that the settlers have taken advantage of this di- from accidents and carrying out development work vide to appropriate mineral deposits as they see fit in the municipalities of Ntega, Marangara and since 1930. Vumbi in Kirundo province. He asked the Govern- ment of Burundi and the administrative staff to stand The Head of State took this opportunity to warn certain with the company so that it could achieve its objec- individuals or companies that illegally exploit mines tives. and some speculative traders who fraudulently sell In this special note, the Minister of Hydraulics, En- minerals in neighbouring countries. He gave the exam- ergy and Mines Ir Côme Manirakiza indicated that ple of the speculative mining operators of kabarore this company Ntega Mining Burundi which will oper- communes in Kayanza province who reported only 400 ate colta and associated minerals in the municipali- kg of colta per month in 2015 but who, with anti-fraud ties Ntega, Marangara and Vumbi on 31,390 ha, will measures, now declare more than 20 thousand tons have the support of the government. He explained per month. For the President of the Republic, whoever that the expected production is 2,464,293 tonnes in is caught will be considered an enemy of the country. 12 years. Minister Ir. Manirakiza said the operating "Thanks to these measures to combat mining fraud, permit granted to Ntega Mining Burundi is valid for currencies from the mining sector have increased sig- 25 years, which explains why the search will con- nificantly," stressed the Head of State. His Excellency tinue. Pierre Nkurunziza revealed that since 2014, the foreign exchange generated by the mining sector has not ex- According to the Minister in charge of Energy and ceeded US$10 million, whereas in the last year the Mines, the State of Burundi holds a 15% share capi- sector has generated more than US$70 million. tal in this company Ntega mining Burundi, which is a Finally, the President of the Republic of Burundi called joint venture. on all Burundians to show patriotism towards their Page 3 MFA-MAGAZINE Nbr 63 of 6th March 2020 country, to consolidate peace and security and, future of the country lies in this sector," concluded the above all, to block the way for troublemakers. "The Head of State. (Source: www.rtnb.bi) Ngozi/Rutanga : Head of state launches crop season B

ead of State His Excellency Pierre Nkurun- of culture throughout the country could produce abun- H ziza, along with his family, launched the B- dantly. cultural season on Saturday, February 29, 2020, at The Presidential Family subsequently planted beans, his Rutunga agro-pastoral complex in Gashikanwa peas and maize on an area of 1.5 hectares. commune in Ngozi province. His Excellency Pierre According to the Head of State, other seeds will also Nkurunziza implored God the Almighty to pour his be sown during this season, in this pastoral agro com- blessings on the seeds of season B so that they plex in Rutanga, including soybeans, potatoes, sweet could produce a bountiful harvest. potatoes.etc. Before the sowing began, the Head of State blessed It is also worth mentioning that a breeding of cows, the seeds and all those that are sowing during sea- goats and pigs is practiced in this area of the Head of son B. He implored God the Almighty, asking him to State. spill out his blessings on seeds and crop fields. In the name of Lord Jesus Christ, Pierre Nkurunziza also (Source: www.rtnb.bi) asked God for a favourable climate so that all fields

Cankuzo : Inauguration of the Buhumuza Campus

he second Vice-President of the Republic His T Excellency Joseph Butore on Tuesday 03 March 2020, respectively, inaugurated the Buhumuza campus in Cankuzo province and officially launched the 2019-2020 academic year. This campus is home to the Institute of Land Administration and Mapping and has more than 100 students. Ceremonies marking the inauguration of this institute of land administration and mapping began with the ribbon cutting and the guided tour of the high authorities at this institute. The festivities continued with various speeches. In his welcome note, Cankuzo Gover- nor Mr Desire Njiji said that this project to establish the branch of the University of Burundi in Cankuzo province has cost more than 716 million Burundian francs. MFA-MAGAZINE Nbr 63 of 6th March 2020 Page 4

As for the Minister in charge of Higher Education Pro- of Burundi pleaded for the grant loan on time and fessor Gaspard Banyankimbona, he urged private asked the competent authorities to do everything universities to include in their annual budgets the possible to ensure that the recipients of the post- costs allocated to research and experimentation cen- basic school do not spend a year at home waiting for tres in their institutions Respective. the start of the academic year. In relation to these For the second Vice-President of the Republic Dr Jo- concerns, Minister Professor Gaspard Ban- seph Butore, this grandiose project based in Cankuzo yankimbina said that University of Burundi officials is indeed part of the implementation of the national are working to correct these irregularities. development plan PND2018-2027. He also urged uni- On behalf of the people of Cankuzo, on behalf of the versities to set up research centres in their institutions people of Cankuzo, the Governor of that province, to help the Government cope with the various chal- Mr. Désiré Njiji, presented the second Vice-President lenges that haunt the population. Dr Joseph Butore of the Republic Dr Joseph Butore with 2 cows and 3 also encouraged the University of Burundi to remain a sheep and a cow to the Minister in charge of educa- reference institution in the country and at the regional tion. Higher. level. It should be noted that the ceremonies ended with Regarding the establishment of this new institute of the awarding of awards and certificates of merit to land administration and mapping in Cankuzo, Dr Jo- the students who distinguished themselves in the seph Butore is pleased that this institute is helping to previous year and to the professors and officials of address the challenges that persist in the land sector. the University of Burundi who gave their heart and "It is timely to respond to the land conflicts that haunt soul to each other carrying out their day-to-day the Burundian people and the Government," said the tasks. second Vice-President of the Republic Dr Joseph Bu- tore. (source: www.rtnb.bi) To close, the Student Representative of the University

Visit of the delegation of the Advisory Council for Women, Peace and Security of the Great Lakes Region

His Excellency Ambassador Ezéchiel NIBIGIRA re- ceived this delegation from the Advisory Council in court. The head of the delegation, Ambassador Liberata Mulamula, said that the purpose of the work mission is to monitor the implementation of recommenda- tions from previous meetings held in 2018 in some countries, including Burundi, in order to make a sus- tained plea for greater participation of women in decision-making bodies, their full involvement in conflict prevention and management mechanisms, and their participation in political processes both at the na- delegation from the Advisory Council for tional as well as regional. Women, Peace and Security of the Great Lakes A Subsequently, Ambassador Liberata Mulamula ap- Region led by Ambassador Liberata Mulamula, preciated the fact that the Government of Burundi Woman Leader of the Advisory Council, carried out a attaches great importance to the fight against gender working mission to Burundi, from 2 to 4 March 2020, -based violence. in the context of promoting the representation and full Speaking, Minister of Foreign Affairs H.E Ambassa- participation of Burundian women in the political life of dor Ezéchiel NIBIGIRA informed that the Govern- the country in general. ment of Burundi is working to ensure women's social On Monday, 2 March 2020, Minister of Foreign Affairs and economic empowerment and build their capacity Page 5 MFA-MAGAZINE Nbr 63 of 6th March 2020 in terms of National. He also noted that the Gov- the representation of women in decision-making bodies ernment of Burundi rightly appreciates the contri- in Burundi. The authorities of the Government of Burundi bution of this Consultative Council, especially for have taken stock of the representation of Burundian its strong message of support and encouragement women in decision-making bodies and discussed the to integrate women's priorities into development various measures, rules and laws taken by the Govern- programs. ment to encourage women to elect and get elected. On Tuesday, March 3, 2020, the delegation of the For example, the Government of Burundi authorities Advisory Council for Women, Peace and Security have indicated that of the top 50 municipal administra- of the Great Lakes Region led by Ambassador tors who have performed better, more than thirty are Liberata Mulamula held an exchange meeting with women. some authorities of the Government of Burundi, Ambassador Liberata Mulamula, Head of the delegation including the Minister Foreign Affairs, the Minister appreciated the step already taken and said that Burundi for Human Rights, Social Affairs and Gender, the is leading by example in the representation of women in Minister for Justice, Civil Protection and Seal decision-making bodies. She encouraged the Govern- Guard and a representative of the Minister of the ment of Burundi to continue to include more women in Interior, Patriotic Training and Local development. state structures.(Source: Rédaction-MAE) During the exchanges, the two Parties discussed

The Ministry in charge of Health prepares to deal with the coronavirus

This transitional center, built systematically to accommodate suspected or confirmed cases of these infectious diseases of Ebola and coronavirus, is already opera- tional, equipped with adequate equipment to respond to these diseases. It is equipped with temporary buildings that can currently accommodate 24 cases with complete equipment meeting the standards of the World Health Organization (WHO) which is also the site's project manager for the management of cases. Confirmed. On the same occasion, the supervisory team also visited inister of Public Health and AIDS Control the infectious disease management center under con- M Dr Thaddée Ndikumana, along with part- struction on the same hill, the aim was to see the pro- ners in the United Nations system in Burundi and gress of this construction work. This center is being built the World Bank, on Tuesday, 03 March 2020, paid as part of the Government of Burundi's compliance with a supervisory visit to the Transitional Centre for international health regulations. treatment of Ebola and Mudubugu Coronavirus in According to Minister Thaddée Ndikumana, this sustain- Gihanga commune of Bubanza province. able centre of a large number of buildings will serve the MFA-MAGAZINE Nbr 63 of 6th March 2020 Page 6

Ministry in charge of Health to properly control the The Minister in charge of Health was keen to point infectious epidemics that can sustain both inside and out that the Government of Burundi, like other coun- outside the country. These centres will be equipped tries in the world, is working to prepare to quarantine with modern laboratory equipment and will be piloted visitors, tourists and Burundian nationals who would by the national Institute of Public Health (INSP) refer- come countries under attack if WHO recommends it. ence laboratory. The Minister is pleased that health care providers have been well trained. With this in (Source: www.rtnb.bi) mind, these two centres will be equipped with a mo- bile laboratory to make them more effective in diag- nosing these diseases.

The city of Ngozi blows out its 100 candles

has more than 150 economic operators importing several items from several foreign countries. He explained that the city of Ngozi has now become a supply centre for the rest of the country to the point of lending it the name Dubai. As the city of Ngozi is seen as a commercial city, Ms. Annonciate Sendazirasa, an economics expert and native of the province, presented to the public the business opportunities in Ngozi province. Speaking, Minister in charge of Financess Dr. Domi- ounded in 1920, the city of Ngozi blew out its tien Ndihokubwayo, a native of Ngozi province who F 100 candles this Saturday, February 29, 2020. was the Government's delegate in the ceremonies, The celebrations marking the centenary of the city of said the Government of Burundi congratulates Ngozi Ngozi were enhanced by the presence of Finance nationals on their 100th anniversary city's existence. Minister Dr. Domitien Ndihokubwayo, who repre- He also said that the State of Burundi welcomes the sented the Government. According to the Minister, the level of development achieved by this province. Government welcomes the efforts of the authorities Dr. Domitien Ndihokubwayo recalled that the city of and the people of this province in terms of socio- Ngozi is known as the "eternal flame" because Ngozi economic development. province was the first to grow coffee, the country's On the ceremonial menu, it was the exaltation of the main source of foreign exchange income. He added emblematic brands of the city of Ngozi such as the that it was the city of Ngozi that hosted in 1958, the myth of Inarunyonga and Samandari, legendary char- first international match on Burundian soil. acters of ancient times whose fame Ngozi owes in "It was also in the town of Ngozi that the national tourism. anthem was taught for the first time in Burundi. It In his welcome note, Ngozi's administrator Mr. SON- was also this province that was the birthplace of the GAMBERE Radjabu said that Ngozi is a Swahili name famous singer-musician Canjo Hamissi who sang for the skin, stating that this city was created by the songs in honour of the country," said the Minister. skin trade in 1920. In his words of circumstance, the The centenary celebration of the city of Ngozi was Governor of Ngozi, Mr. Albert Nduwimana indicated also an opportunity to pay tribute to the native per- that the stage of socio-economic development of this sonalities of Ngozi who have contributed remarkably city is satisfactory. Mr. Albert Nduwimana said that the to its development. Among those awarded was Head city of Ngozi currently has quality public infrastructure of State Pierre Nkurunziza, who was seen in Ngozi including clean roads, modern markets, high-end ho- as the guide to the development of this province. tels, solar power and several factories and processing Several dignitaries from Ngozi had also enhanced of agri-food products. their presence these ceremonies. We will mention According to Albert Nduwimana, the city of Ngozi also Page 7 MFA-MAGAZINE Nbr 63 of 6th March 2020 the deputies and Senators elected in the constitu- of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps accredited in Bu- ency of Ngozi, some members of the Government rundi, senior religious leaders etc. and other distinguished guests such as members (source: www.rtnb.bi)

UPRONA presidential candidate files for CENI

he candidate of the UPRONA party in the 2020 T presidential elections Mr Gaston Sindimwo, the current 1st Vice-President of the Republic, on Wednes- day 4 March 2020 submitted his application to the Inde- pendent National Electoral Commission (CENI) and the 2020 parliamentary candidates' records of his party's 2020. (source: www.rtnb.bi)

Independent "Dieudonné Nahimana" applies to CENI for presidential elections

r Dieudonné Nahimana, an independent candi- M date, submitted his application to the CENI on Wednesday, 04 March 2020, to participate in the presidential elections of 20 May 2020, and his file was ac- cepted. After filing the file, he hosted a press conference where he indicated that after a long career in youth leadership as the founder of the New Generation Association, as a pastor of a church and in civil society, he decided to participate in the upcoming elections for the post of Presi- dent of the Republic.

(source: www.rtnb.bi)

CVR soon begins Mashitsi site

he President of the Truth and Reconciliation Com- T mission, Ambassador Pierre Claver Ndayicariye, held a press conference for journalists in Bujumbura on Tuesday, 3 March 2020. Purpose: to discuss phase II of the exhumation of human remains from the 1972 crisis that began on 27 January 2020. Ambassador Pierre Claver Ndayicariye reported that the first phase resulted in the emptying of 6 mass graves out of the 18 informed by the population. The second phase was to consolidate the work of the first phase, the results MFA-MAGAZINE Nbr 63 of 6th March 2020 Page 8 of which reached 6,032 exhumed human remains of wounded memories to build lasting peace. 1972, their treatment, their conservation and the or- A psychological support cell for visitors has been set ganization of thorough investigations into the mass up to deal with cases of trauma that may arise, the graves of the Ruvubu, he specified. President of the CRV said. The President of the CVR reported that the human CVR President Ambassador Pierre Claver Ndayi- remains of these 1972 victims are temporarily kept in cariye said the CVR used intelligence methodology to body bags and placed in a safe place in downtown learn about the mass graves of Karuzi and Gitega. Gitega. The CVR has extended its research beyond ruvubu, Ambassador Pierre Claver Ndayicariye said that mutobo near Gishora, Giheta commune and Mashitsi many eyewitnesses confided in the CVR: 2 witnesses near the IRAZ, as well as the Ntare Rugamba military born in 1912 and 1913 respectively, survivors of the camp with the mission of checking new mass graves Shombo commune who had held administrative func- from 1972, he said. tions were auditioned. He indicated that other wit- The President of the CVR has announced that the nesses heard are from different localities and the next step will be on the mass graves of Mashitsi. He CVR avoids bigotry because it is aware that the truth mentioned that since Phase I and throughout Phase it seeks is at the service of healing wounded hearts. II, the CVR has continued to receive visits from high- Ambassador Pierre Claver Ndayicariye mentioned ranking figures and other citizens who want to know that the total death toll to date is 7,348 people from the truth about mass graves. the 8 mass graves at the Ruvubu site. He said the (source: www.rtnb.bi) CVR is reflecting on how to manage Burundians'