The Burundian government is sparing no effort to restore its image. While it struggles to consolidate the foundations of good governance, its desire to normalize relations with its partners is obvious. After the diplomatic offensive that President Ndayishimiye has started for some time, place for internal actors who until recently were infrequent. Are CSOs back in the good graces of Gitega power? Decortication.
The administration of Evariste Ndayishimiye launched the politico-diplomatic machine to normalize relations with its partners. Both internationally and domestically. Recently, on March 14, the official meeting of Gabriel Rufyiri and Faustin Ndikumana representing respectively the NGOs OLUCOME et PARCEM with Gervais Ndirakobuca, the Prime Minister of Burundi, is seen as a strong sign of willingness on the part of Gitega to dust off relations with CSOs which had taken quite a hit with the events of 2015. It is an eloquent sign of good faith because these two local NGOs are currently considered the only discordant voices of an internal civil society that is rather complacent towards the power of Gitega.
After this interview, Faustin Ndikumana said he was confident. Speaking about his trades with the head of government, Ndikumana affirmed that the government intends to cooperate with civil society. Here, there is reason to wonder if Gitega would be ready to go so far as to accept the return of other activists who have been outside the country since the 2015 crisis.
Diplomatic pressure or the desire to turn the page?
Burundi’s partners are demanding in terms of human rights and good governance. “Challenges still remain in the areas of human rights, good governance and the rule of law. Further progress would benefit all Burundians”, underlined the Council of the European Union in its press release of February 8, 2022 announcing the lifting of sanctions. Is it in order to give pledges of goodwill that the government of Gitega has decided to let go? Or is it simply a carefully thought-out policy to give substance to a democratic life which has, over time, been reduced to elections? No doubt time will tell.
CSOs, a path to development
Civil society is a channel through which citizens can monitor government action and contribute to it. It is a relay between citizens and the government. Indeed, civil society, through its various facets: NGOs, unions, associations, etc., is driving real change in terms of governance and a change of mentality. In the event of slippages, it does not hesitate to denounce them because it is not involved in the implementation of internal policy. It constitutes a free will and in a way a body of citizen representation that advises governments.
If Gitega wants to establish good governance, it has every interest in putting all the assets on its side, and therefore, to collaborate with credible CSOs. Whether it is a recommendation from donors or a proposal resulting from expertise, the government loses nothing by including all its partners in the long march towards the country’s development.
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