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PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

During the first year of its programming in Burundi, OTI supported the Burundi Initiative for Peace (BIP), which provided small grants to promote good governance and the active and informed participation of citizens in support of the Arusha Peace and Reconciliation Accord (APRA). Through its implementing partner, the International Foundation for Elections Systems (IFES), OTI provided support to indigenous civil society groups, the media, and the Transitional Government to increase active and informed discussions among people of diverse ethnic groups about common public issues, and to encourage government institutions at all levels to be more transparent and accountable.

OTI-Sponsored Radio Show Promotes Civic Action

On November 16, 2003, OTI launched "Ordinary people doing extraordinary things in Burundi," a radio series promoting civic action. In the series, OTI introduces stories of how ordinary citizens successfully work together to resolve their own problems, inspiring others to do the same.

In its first show, OTI interviewed Georgette Mahwera, head of the Association of Women

Georgette Mahwera and other members of ABANIKI at work.

for the Development of the Zone of Kinama (ABANIKI). An ethnically mixed group of women living in the predominantly Hutu zone of Bujumbura created ABANIKI in 1995 to establish links across ethnic divisions. In the beginning, the women organized visits to women of other ethnic groups who had fled to other zones and sessions to talk about how they could work together to promote peace. They also offered their members and others courses in basic numeracy, accounting and alphabetization. Later, they founded a cooperative to cultivate rice and other goods for both consumption and marketing. ABANIKI continued its operations even after rebels and the national army looted and destroyed their assets. Thanks to the commitment of ABANIKI's members and with the assistance of OTI and other donors, ABANIKI was able to resume all activities in 2002. ABANIKI has served as a model for women in Kinama and for those living in other zones affected by the conflict by showing that groups can overcome hardships through solidarity, perseverance, and commitment.

OTI-Sponsored Art Exhibition Celebrates Advances toward Peace in Burundi - October 2003

A painting in honor of the May 2003 OTI-sponsored "Choose Peace" march

On October 4, 2003, an OTI/Burundi-sponsored art exhibition opened in Bujumbura, boasting over 100 paintings, sculptures, carvings, and pottery dedicated to the theme of "Peace in Burundi." A panel of judges selected the twelve artists represented in this exhibition out of a group of over 50 contestants from 11 of Burundi's 16 provinces. The exhibition will travel to all of Burundi's provincial capitals during October and November, after which two of the works will be presented to the U.S. Embassy for permanent public display.

The exhibition celebrating the possibility of peace in Burundi is well-timed, as the Government of Burundi and one of the major rebel groups just signed a power-sharing agreement that represents a significant advance in the peace process. U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission Alex Laskaris officially opened the exhibition, while the Minister of Sports and Culture and the Governor of Ruyigi, who spearheaded the project, gave speeches. Over 300 people, including parliamentarians and the Minister for the Mobilization of Peace, attended the opening, which was covered by national radio and television stations. According to the Governor of Ruyigi, over 10,000 visitors viewed the exhibition in its first four days.

Over 50,000 Burundians Participate in BIP Activities to Support the Peaceful Transfer of Power - April 2003

10,000 Burundians Participated in Gitega's Peace Walk on April 20, 2003

Recognizing that the successful transfer of presidential power from a Tutsi to a Hutu is critical to the successful implementation of APRA, the BIP is supporting activities throughout Burundi leading up to the May 1 event. Peace walks, radio programs, billboards, t-shirts, and banners are part of the BIP-supported information campaign to encourage Burundians to advocate for the peaceful transfer of power.

BIP has also supported a series of public discussion radio programs that engage Burundians through call-in shows and field interviews all over the country. These radio programs together with a billboard campaign encourage citizens to resist violence on May 1 and to support the peace process.

BIP is also supporting a "Mobilization for Peace" project that distributes t-shirts, flags, and banners to local partners in the provinces for use during the May 1 celebration, and has planned media programs and public discussions that will increase the peaceful momentum of the transfer.