A country in recent past synonymous with violence and street running battles between security agencies and protesters was on July 15 united celebrating an achievement brought home by the First Lady Mrs Angeline Ndayishimiye.
A score of residents of Bujumbura and other urban centres are accusing some state elements for forcing them to close their businesses and pour out onto the streets to celebrate the UN award brought home by the country’s first Lady.
Mrs Angeline Ndayishimiye returned from the United States where she received the United Nations award for her contribution to population, development and reproductive health.
Upon arrival in her country she was greeted with great fanfare. Shops and markets were closed for these ceremonies, which provoked the ire of some city dwellers.
On her return from New York, this July 15, Angeline Ndayishimie was greeted by a jubilant crowd.
State executives, governmental and non-governmental organizations, thousands of young and old people. People from different provinces were there.
Among this enthusiastic crowd, several women had mobilized. Some wore loincloths, others t-shirts bearing his image. They wore small Republic flags and multicolored balloons.
In the town hall of Bujumbura, business experienced disruptions. All shops and markets were forced to close until 3 p.m.
Transportation has been disrupted. Some axes were blocked to let the procession of the First Lady pass. From Chanic to Boulevard Mwezi Gisabo, passing through the so-called “Cotebu” market, the United Nations roundabout, the Gare du Nord, Mrs Ndayishimiye greeted the crowd who had come to welcome her. At each stop, she showed her price to the population.
Traders forced to close
Some traders say they were forced to go and greet the first lady. They deplore the losses suffered this Saturday.
“That the first lady receives an award from the United Nations is an honor for the country. The UN body recognized her efforts. She worked hard, but we were prevented from working. The market is open at 3 p.m., nothing is going well, because our customers have not come, because the hours are advanced. It is the economy of the economic capital that has been damaged, ”lamented a wholesaler of second-hand clothes at the Kamenge market.
For a trader at the market called Cotebu, the price received is a source of pride for Burundi that should be celebrated. Nevertheless, it is, he says, incomprehensible that all activities are suspended because of this. “It is rather an encouragement for those who work hard. Otherwise, it would be one thing and its opposite.
A teacher in charge of one of the basic schools in the Nyambuye zone, Isare commune in Bujumbura Province came at 11 a.m. to Ntahangwa commune to photograph the students’ score cards. “Until 4 p.m., all the public offices were closed. The program we had at school was postponed for lack of cards. It’s good to celebrate trophies, but without disrupting other activities.”
A vegetable seller at the Gasenyi market noted that the trophy won is an eloquent sign that Burundi is reliable. “It is an honour for Burundi. Those who tarnish the image of Burundi will no longer have a pretext. All Burundians should celebrate this victory”.
According to a civil society activist, the United Nations prize awarded to the First Lady of Burundi is salutary. It is a recognition of her fight and her efforts for the dignity of women, in particular the fight against obstetric fistula.
However, he says, “Forcing people to participate is arbitrary, illegal and irresponsible. This is unacceptable in a country that claims to be adhering to the rule of law”.
He adds that the organizers of these activities wanted to show that they are supported. “Even if celebrating is normal, this mobilization of the crowds is a political recovery. It targets electoral interests”.
Additional reporting IWACU
