We Are More Than Just Neighbours, Kagame Tells Burundians
President Kagame speaking at the Burundi Independence celebrations flanked by Burundi’s President Nkurunziza
President Paul Kagame joined Burundian President, Pierre Nkurunziza and hundreds of Burundians to celebrate their 51st Independence Day celebrations in Bujumbura on Monday.
In his address at the independence celebrations, Kagame said: “We are more than neighbors, we are brothers and sisters and we will continue to work together and help each other move forward.”
Addressing those present, President Kagame reiterated the intention to continue close cooperation among the two nations.
Giving his keynote address, President Nkurunziza called on a change of mindset and for all Burundians to strive for unity.
“We were created to live in unity and we must work together to ensure that our legacy to future generation is a brighter Burundi,” said Nkurunziza.
The ceremony which took place on the Boulevard de l’Uprona was also attended by President Kenyatta and officials from across the region.
In line with regional cooperation, Kenyan President, Uhuru Kenyatta donated over thirty thousand tiles for schools construction in Burundi.
The celebrations were marked by performances from world renowned Burundian drummers, parade of private and public sectors as well as military parade which ended with a luncheon hosted by President Nkurunziza and attended by President Kagame and President Kenyatta.
Burundi and Rwanda jointly gained independence from Belgium on July 1, 1962. Formerly German colonies, Rwanda and Burundi were declared Belgian protectorates after the First World War.
“We need justice. Justice will help Jimmy rest in peace. This will prevent this situation from happening again . . . Justice will protect people in the future.” Adrienne Kambana, widow of Jimmy Mubenga. | |
We’ve been attending the Inquest into the death of Jimmy Mubenga, a father of five, from Angola, killed by G4S guards on a British Airways flight. What we’ve heard is harrowing:
Ø The grief and suffering of his widow and family who miss him greatly and have had to relive the horrendous ordeal that caused his death.
Ø A British Airways crew carried out routine “safety procedures” while Mr Mubenga cried out for help, saying he couldn’t breathe and “They are killing me”.
Ø Three G4S guards restrained Mr Mubenga for over 30 minutes in a position known to cause asphyxia. The guards dismissed his suffering saying people being deported “are always like this”.
Ø The BA crew moved passengers to another section where they would be further away from Mr Mubenga’s screams.
Ø A passenger described being shocked and frightened by the screams.
Ø A BA crew member who tried to alert the pilot was dismissed as ridiculous. She exposed the lies of the G4S guards and should get recognition as a brave whistleblower.
Ø No first aid was given until it was too late.
Ø Guards had racist jokes on their mobile phones, abusing Black, immigrant and Muslim people. One guard described a detainee as “an animal.”
Ø Police allowed guards to leave the scene without taking statements.
Ø Passengers’ statements were taken as they re-boarded the next day so they didn’t have time to check them.
The horrors which have been exposed by this Inquest must lead to prosecutions of those responsible. Corporate manslaughter charges should be brought against G4S.
If Jimmy Mubenga’s killers are not prosecuted then every asylumseeker’s life is at risk. Every life is devalued - the Home Office will feel able to use companies like G4S to kill any of us.
All African Women’s Group, aawg02@gmail.com
Women of Colour @ Global Women’s Strike, womenofcolour@globalwomenstrike.net T: 020 7482 2496 M: 07947 442 210 | |
