Review of the politics of Burundi, interesting things to learn – Amb. Elijah Onyeagba
In a recent publication on his facebook handle, the newly appointed Ambassador of Nigeria to Burundi, Amb. Elijah Onyeagba has tasked himself to educate Africa, especially Nigeria on what he has learnt about the Burundi government and how it can help africa. In the post he titled “The Politics of Burundi in Review – Part 1”, he went on to give insight about their parliamentary system that ensures both gender equality and ethnic inclusion without any bias.
He started by saying “Burundi is a very interesting country. It is made up of two major ethnic tribes – the Hutu’s and the Tutsi’s. They run a Bicameral legislation meaning that they have the Parliament(that is, two houses of legislature, the upper house and lower house, what we can ascribe as Senate and House of Representatives in Nigeria).
Members of parliaments are elected from across the provinces(states) and their number depends on certain pre-determined criteria which must satisfy the minimum 35% affirmation for women representation. The Senate is a bit more interesting as each province must have two Senators(One Hutu, One Tutsi, One Male, One Female).
This means that women occupy a minimum of 35% membership in their parliament while statutorily occupying 50% of their Senate…. very interesting!
Irrespective of the bitter war they experienced in the past! A member of Parliament, Olivier told me …. “In governance, we discuss as a party, not as a tribe or the religion you profess” Hmm!
Subsequently, I will discuss their model of Presidential system of governance and how elections are conducted and its frequency including their Governors- something I find very revealing and educating. Stay tuned!
Africa must find its brand of democracy that works for her and stick to It!”, the post concluded.
We cross our arms as we wait in hopefully anticipation of the part – 2 of the expository insight into the successful and peaceful model the Burundians have adopted to run their country which is worthy of emulation.