BUJUMBURA April 30th (ABP) – The MPs adopted, on Thursday April 28, unanimously, the bill on the ratification, by the Republic of Burundi, of the Constitution and the Convention of the African Telecommunications Union , during a plenary session which was chaired by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Gélase Ndabirabe.
In the explanatory memorandum, the Minister of Communication, Information Technologies and the Media, Mrs. Léocadie Ndacayisaba indicated that the ATU has the vision of making Africa an active player in the global society of information. She also added that ATU’s mission is to promote the rapid development of info – communication in Africa with a view to achieving universal access and service as well as total connection between countries in the most effective and efficient manner. , to promote the development and adoption of appropriate telecommunications policies and regulatory frameworks for Africa, to enable the integration of private sector operators in the process of telecommunications development in Africa, to coordinate positions and the strategies of the Member States during the preparations and courses of international meetings, and to promote the development of human resources in the field of information and communication.
The Minister of Communication did not forget to point out that by ratifying the constitution and the convention of the ATU, Burundi could benefit from certain advantages. She cited the promotion of development and the adoption of appropriate telecommunications policies and regulatory frameworks, the promotion of financing for the development of telecommunications, the promotion of special programs for the country and the development of rural telecommunications, the coordination of positions and strategies during preparations and during international meetings, the promotion of regional coordination in the areas of value-added services, equipment certification, technical standards and harmonization of tariffs.
Ratification of that bill will also allow for better monitoring of cooperation and partnership between Member States and Associate Members.
It will enable Burundi to fully enjoy the rights and benefits conferred by the constitution and the ATU agreement.