BUJUMBURA September 11th (ABP) – The President of the Republic of Burundi, Evariste Ndayishimiye met on Saturday September 9, 2023, representatives of religious denominations and Non-profit Associations (ASBL), working in the sector of rights protection of the human person.
Getting to the heart of the matter, the President of the Republic announced that their contribution to the general well-being of the people is welcome to support the efforts of the State. Mr. Ndayishimiye returned to the reforms that the government has initiated to clean up the country and put it back on track, in particular by cleaning up the justice sector and the fight against corruption and economic embezzlement, its hobby horse. Whether religious denominations or non-profit organizations, they are called upon to follow in the Government’s footsteps.
According to the President of the Republic, the recent past of disagreements between the Government and religious faiths is over. Now is the time for them to support his actions. He called on them to make their contribution on the actions to be carried out concretely in the areas of justice to ensure sustainable economic development which benefits every Burundian.
In relation to the sector of justice for all, the speakers appreciated the actions already undertaken by the Government while noting that there is still a long way to go. They note that corruption still corrupts justice. The delays in legal procedures, the incompetence of some as well as bad faith, are still present. They ask the Government to continue its fight, especially by sanctioning those responsible. They also pleaded for the cases pending in court to be exhausted.
For others, they proposed the revision of recruitment procedures for personnel who wish to pursue a career in that sector, with a view to instilling in them the true values of fairness. Some have even gone far, asking that they undergo internships in prisons, living there during their training period as those in the health field do. Applying that at this moment they will emerge more human before being affected. Their work is more than a vocation, the audience argued.
In the sector of economic development, several speakers expressed the wish that in the communications which are made especially within religious denominations, alongside providing the faithful with theological teaching, it is essential for them to also speak about economic development, by encouraging enthusiasm for the accomplishment of development projects, why not even contribute financially by supporting certain development projects of the faithful. The eradication of poverty is possible, some explained, promising to support the Government in all its efforts by raising awareness among their faithful.
As for the government, it was asked to support those who would like to invest in the economic development of the country by introducing small and medium-sized businesses. The President of the Republic said he was satisfied with the contributions that were made, while promising that the government team will take them into consideration.