Burundi pilot
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This section Communications system proposal Translated resource pages: Kirundi and French Facilitator training report Burundi monthly updates: 2004 Case study: 8th youth festival |
ActionAid has been working in Burundi since 1976, although the roots of the current programme in Ruyigi (where the Reflect and ICTs pilot will be based) go back to the ethnic conflict of 1993.
Since 1962 Burundi has experienced continued ethnic clashes, coups, attempted coups and inter-communal violence, creating an enduring culture of mistrust and suspicion among its people. In 1993 the crisis peaked with an attempted coup on the Hutu majority government, which resulted in an estimated 250,000 people being killed. During this time in Ruyigi there was widespread displacement of Hutu people to remote mountainous regions and refugee camps in neighbouring Tanzania, while Tutsis remained in their communities or in military protected camps.
Reflect in Burundi:
In response to this situation ActionAid Burundi supported the resettlement and
reintegration of displaced people back to their communities, followed by a lengthier
process of facilitating peace and reconciliation. Reflect was implemented in
eleven areas in the province to promote peace and strengthen the role of women
in peace building. There are now 89 Reflect circles in Ruyigi, 6 in Rutana and
a national network of 10 independent Reflect associations. A fundamental role
of Reflect in this context has been to provide space and opportunities for people
to rebuild social cohesion through communication.
Communication is a key issue for peace and reconciliation: misinformation and mistrust are key factors in the perpetuation of conflict. Reflect groups aim to provide a space for neighbours, Hutu and Tutsi, to meet and talk, sharing accurate information with people in villages and camps to rebuild confidence and trust. They also develop traditional cultural activities as a means to bring communities together. This work also links in to national level policy advocacy around the peace process.
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here to read more about Reflect in Burundi
Existing communication technologies:
This background of insecurity has severely affected people's attitudes towards
different information sources. Until recently, the government held monopoly
of radio and television broadcasting, and politicians used radio during the
conflict for both positive and negative ends, including propaganda. There are
now private radio stations springing up, broadcasting in all the different local
languages, and radio and television are becoming more accessible, so ActionAid
is busy developing links to ensure poor people's voices are heard.
Other types of communication means and technologies being used in AA Burundi's work in Ruyigi include:
What this project will add to
communication work:
The ICT project will link to this existing basis, bringing in new technology
such as the internet and developing more traditional media to:
Wider links:
ActionAid Burundi will be mainstreaming this ICT project into its existing work
through the CSP (Country Strategy Paper) process (finalised September 2002)
and the three year planning and budgeting processes. This will ensure that the
impact of the project is maximised and sustained: linking to national level
advocacy and campaigning work, as well as to Reflect groups outside of the actual
pilot, through ActionAid and the national Reflect network.
To contact the Burundi pilot email: Salvator Nkurunziza, Programme Support Manager
Read more about the Reflect ICT Burundi pilot on the Communication Initiative website