BUBANZA January 10th (ABP) – The Minister of National Defense and Veterans Affairs, Mr. Alain Tribert Mutabazi and the Minister of National Solidarity, Social Affairs, Human Rights and Gender, Mrs. Imelde Sabushimike met the inhabitants of Bubanza province (north-west of Burundi), on Monday, January 9 in the provincial headquarters, in order to discuss their concerns, in relation to the specifications of the said ministries, a check in Bubanza by ABP has revealed.
The two ministers have made it known that they want the people of that province to be comfortable with the services offered by their ministries.
The major concerns, which have been addressed to the Ministry responsible for National Defense are, among other things, land disputes between the military camps of Muzinda in Rugazi commune and Mudubugu in Gihanga commune, and the surrounding inhabitants, who accuse the authorities of those camps to have expropriated them.
Other concerns include the former fighters who speak of the delay in the implementation of the bylaw which governs them, the disabled demobilized fighters who are not satisfied with the way in which they benefit from medical care and the vulnerable who require various supports.
As for the concerns toward the Minister responsible for National Solidarity, it is in particular the Batwa community in a “precarious” situation who need support for self-development projects. Students of that ethnic group do not continue their studies and are unable to do internships, for lack of financial means, as well as other vulnerable inhabitants who need iron sheets for the rehabilitation of their houses.
Other speakers asked that this ministry plead for them so that their rights are not violated, especially for legal files.
Faced with land disputes between camps and local residents, Minister Mutabazi reassured them that a joint commission had been set up to investigate those disputed properties.
Regarding the law governing veterans, he replied that implementing texts are in progress and asks them to wait. He calls them to team up into self-development cooperatives. The two ministers ask the inhabitants of Bubanza province to remain confident, specifying that the State is doing everything for their well-being. They call on them to devote themselves to development projects, keep peace and tighten security.