Innocent Habonimana

Media

Burundi media regulator speaks for press freedom

06-06-2017 The government media regulator authority speaks against administrative officials’ interference with the freedom of journalists. The chairman of National Media Regulator (CNC) urges administrative authorities to stop hampering the work of accredited journalists. In a meeting Ramadhan Karenga, the Chairman of CNC, held this Tuesday with media professionals, he (...)
Economy

Import duties exoneration for foodstuffs may be profiting importers, not consumers

06-06-2017 Prices of imported food products that have been exempted from customs duties have hardly decreased. Consumers think importers are taking advantage of the tax-exemption. The Burundian Association of Consumers (ABUCO) is worried that the government measure to exonerate certain imported food products may be profiting importers who may have (...)
Security

Burundi boosts its explosive disposal and ammunition stock control capacity

06-04-2017 The training seeks to prevent potential devastating incidents in country that is at high risks of accidental explosions, according to the Mines Advisory Group (MAG). Until last week Burundi police had only three officers qualified to dispose of explosives. Eleven new officers of the civil protection police received a (...)
Society

Political opponents accuse ruling Cndd-Fdd of children indoctrination to hate

06-01-2017 Some opponents accuse Cndd-Fdd of indoctrinating children to hate. The accusations were sparked by a video that was shared on social media showing children chanting and singing what some viewers labelled as hate speech. A video showing children affiliated to the ruling Cndd-Fdd party chanting derogatory words against those (...)
Economy

Fuel shortage: Is temporary relief over?

05-30-2017 From last week, the public sighed with relief that there were signs the fuel shortage that had rocked the nation over several weeks was to end soon. But the problem reoccurs bringing with it its nightmarish events. On Tuesday morning, many of service stations were dry, and vehicles built (...)
Security

Burundi troops make “big sacrifice” in UN peacekeeping mission, says army spokesman

05-30-2017 The Burundi army says its troops contribute in UN peacekeeping missions at a high price, including giving up lives. As the world celebrated the International Day of UN peacekeepers on Tuesday, Burundi army said “Burundi military plays an important role in peacekeeping missions in which they pay a big (...)
EAC integration

“Sanctions against Burundi”, only EAC pretext for refusal to sign EPA, says local NGO

05-24-2017 PARCEM says, to show solidarity, the EAC region should carry out concrete actions to help Burundi overcome its socio-economic and political woes. PARCEM, a local NGO, dismisses the claim that East African Community refusal to sign the EAC-EU Economic Pact Agreement (EPA) has something to do with solidarity with (...)
Health

Ending obstetric fistula in Burundi hampered by ignorance

05-24-2017 Obstetric fistula is both preventable and curable. Ending it in Burundi is mainly hindered by ignorance. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) officials in Burundi say the public lacks basic knowledge about obstetric fistula. Many people don’t know how to prevent it. They are not even aware that it (...)
Security

Eight people injured in grenade attack in northern Bujumbura

05-22-2017 Residents of Kamenge say they are perplexed by the escalating violence in their area. At least eight people were injured in a grenade explosion on Saturday evening in Kamenge area, northern Bujumbura, police source says. The grenade exploded in front of the home of Kamenge area chief, Espérence Hakizimana. (...)
Politics

Top exiled civil society activists doubt Facilitator’s willingness to end Burundi crisis

05-18-2017 Exiled civil society leaders say they doubt Benjamin Mkapa’s willingness to help end the Burundi crisis. The Facilitator recently invited them to a two-day meeting due to take place in Entebbe, Uganda from 24 May. The invitation excludes rights group leaders wanted by the Burundi justice. They will be (...)