Burundi: Organizations called Foundation for Unity, Peace and Democracy (Fondation pour l'unité, la paix et la démocratie) and Society of the Apostles of Peace (Compagnie des apôtres de la paix, CAP); whether Tutsi members of these organizations are targeted by extremist Hutus and/or Tutsis (1994 - November 2002)
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 15 November 2002 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | BDI39986.E |
| Reference | 5 |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Burundi: Organizations called Foundation for Unity, Peace and Democracy (Fondation pour l'unité, la paix et la démocratie) and Society of the Apostles of Peace (Compagnie des apôtres de la paix, CAP); whether Tutsi members of these organizations are targeted by extremist Hutus and/or Tutsis (1994 - November 2002), 15 November 2002, BDI39986.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3f7d4d5826.html [accessed 28 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
The following constitutes a summary of information provided by both a journalist of Net Press, a Burundian private newspaper, and by the Executive Secretary of the Burundian Human Rights League (Ligue burundaise des droits de l'homme, ITEKA), a human rights organization affiliated with the International Federation of Human Rights Leagues (FIDH), during 12 and 13 November 2002 telephone interviews respectively.
The Society of the Apostles of Peace (CAP) like the Foundation for Unity, Peace and Democracy are small Burundian non-governmental organizations founded after the 1993 presidential and legislative elections. The latter, founded by current President Buyoya himself after losing the 1993 presidential elections, is now led by Joseph Ndayisaba who also works as counsellor in the president's office.
Composed especially by elite members of different ethnic groups (professors, politicians, lawyers etc.), both organizations are dedicated to peace, inter-ethnic promotion and conflict resolution. Their main activities include organizing seminars and conferences on peace-related subjects.
Referring to Burundi, a June 2001 United States Agency for International Development (USID) report stated the following:
One of the activities supported by International Alert is the CAP: Compagnie des apôtres de la paix (Apostles for Peace). CAP now comprises about fifty active members. The middle-level dialogues promoted by the CAP group has produced fairly significant results, especially in Bujumbura, the capital. It has an appreciable influence in bringing individuals and groups of people together to address critical questions regarding political development in Burundi. CAP members have served as important role models for others in the country. They have jointly appeared on national television and radio, and have led public fora to influence public opinion that "the other camp are not monsters." There is evidence that CAP messages through television and radio have also had an impact on the Burundi diaspora in the region (Tanzania and Kenya) and in Europe where most of the educated Hutu live.
A 12 May 2000 report of the Burundian news agency AZANIA referred to the Society of the Apostles of Peace (CAP) as "a Burundi NGO closely linked to International Alert of London" which is advocating "for peaceful ways of resolving conflicts." The report added that the CAP "has undertaken a series of positive campaigns in favour of the Buyoya regime that enjoys strong backing from within the organization" (AZANIA 12 May 2000).
The ITEKA's executive secretary stated that his organization is not aware of any threats towards members of the above-mentioned organizations, including those of Tutsi origin, by Hutu and/or Tutsi extremists.
This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.
References
AZANIA [Bujumbura, in French]. 12 May 2000. "Army, Main Opposition Party Hold Talks." (BBC Summary 17 May 2000/NEXIS).
Ligue burundaise des droits de l'homme (ITEKA), Bujumbura. 13 November 2002. Telephone interview with Executive Secretary.
Net Press [Bujumbura]. 12 November 2002. Telephone interview with a journalist.
United States of America. US Agency for International Development (USAID). June 2001. Larry S. Beyna and al. The Effectiveness of Civil Society Initiatives in Controlling Violent Conflicts and Building Peace: A Study of the Three Approaches In the Greater Horn of Africa. Additional Sources Consulted
Africa Confidential 1994-2002.
Africa Research Bulletin 1994-2002.
IRB Databases.
LEXIS/NEXIS.
Resource Centre country file. Burundi.
Internet sites, including:
Africatime.
Allafrica.
Amnesty International.
BBC Africa.
FIDH.
Human Rights Watch (HRW).
International Crisis Group (ICG).
ITEKA.
MISNA.
UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (IRIN).
