Burundi setting an example for the region. Especially Rwanda where Twa people are nearly extinct with less than 30K of them still existing in a country where they are the ORIGINAL INHABITANTS!!! Let that sink in.
We applaud the newly-sworn in president of Burundi #Neva for appointing member of #twa community as a minister. Batwas are historically marginalized indigenous people residing in Burundi/ Rwanda and make up nearly one percent of the population in both respective countries. \
For the first time in history of Burundi, a member of that community will hold a powerful political post. Let’s note that the late President Nkurunziza first introduced affirmative actions specifically for batwas, paving a way for a large number of their children to receive education and health care, privileges historically reserved for powerful elites.
Unlike other countries in the region, where ethnic elitism still controls every aspect of society, Burundi boasts itself to be a country where both Hutus, Tutsis and ‘Twas are well- represented, not a single ethnicity is made to feel or born guilty of crimes that might have been committed in the past and actually have a voice in their government.
On the other hand, though, we can’t be naive in insisting that there isn’t much work ahead in ensuring equality and social justice amongst all Burundians, particularly for Batwas, but we are undoubtedly moving in the right direction. Congrats Minister #Immelde!
