On Thursday, July 18, 2024, Ambassador Pierre Claver Ndayicariye, President of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (CVR) of Burundi, participated in a training-of-trainers session organized by the association « Healing and Rebuilding Our Communities » (HROC Burundi). This training, held in the Gihosha zone, Ntahangwa commune, Bujumbura City, was part of the « Healing and Rebuilding Our Communities » program.
In addition to Burundian participants, representatives from Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, and South Africa took part in this activity. These countries, all of which have experienced periods of conflict, continue to face challenges related to peace and reconciliation.
Ambassador Ndayicariye’s intervention focused on the importance of empathetic listening in addressing victims of various disturbances. This topic resonated particularly with the participants, especially those from Kenya, currently grappling with protests against the measures of the current regime. The critical situation in Kenya contrasts sharply with the peaceful Swahili slogan « Kenya yetu hakuna matata. »
The President of the TRC,Amb.Pierre Claver Ndayicariye presents his topic on empathetic listening.
Ongoing Inequalities in South Africa
The South African representatives shared the post-apartheid challenges, highlighting that despite official reconciliation, social inequalities persist. Tensions between South Africans of different racial backgrounds, as well as between South Africans and foreign blacks, often exacerbated by economic reasons, remain a concerning reality.
One of the participants from South Africa explains how social inequalities still exist in that country
Congratulations for Burundi’s progress
Participants expressed admiration for Burundi’s efforts in reconciliation, despite ethnic, regional, and political distinctions. Congolese attendees praised the CVR for its advancements, while their own country is still torn by conflicts, notably between the M23 and FARDC.
Everyone agreed that empathetic listening is crucial for reconciliation in their respective countries. They applauded the work of the CVR and its president, noting the effective collaboration within the Commission to achieve stability.
One of the participants from the Democratic Republic of Congo explains how human rights violations are increasing in the country due to the ongoing war.
Reconciliation: A long-term process
In conclusion, Ambassador Pierre Claver Ndayicariye reminded that reconciliation is a process requiring time and patience. He emphasized that this reconciliation also plays an essential role in the political and economic liberation of the concerned nations. This training-of-trainers session marks a significant step in strengthening local and regional capacities in managing wounded memories and psycho-traumatic care, illustrating Burundi and its partners’ commitment to building more resilient and harmonious communities.
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