The 2008 edition of the JusticeMakers competition was an undisputable success in Burundi. The large number of projects from Burundi is a testimonial of the vitality of human rights community in the country. As a result of this competition, strong professional and social linkages have sparked among participants. Since my arrival as an IBJ legal volunteer, I have had the opportunity to meet some of these participants individually but never as a group. We thus decided with Astère, a JusticeMakers himself, now working as IBJ Local Fellow and Country Manager, to gather some of them around a friendly drink. On Friday 24th May, 5 JusticeMakers were brought together to catch up and share their views on various subjects in an informal and relaxed atmosphere. Olivier Niyonizigiye, Carine Murekerisoni, Fulgence Ndagijimana, Joseph Havyarimana and Astère Muyango were present at this gathering.Some of them are lucky enough to be working in the field of human rights, others are waiting for such an opportunity, but all have the same willingness to contribute to the improvement of the justice system and human rights situation in their country. In this respect, the forthcoming presidential election draws a particular attention as an event that will confirm or contradict the progresses that have been registered in the past few years. We also provided them with the most recent update of the advancement of the IBJ program in Burundi, positive steps as much as hurdles we are encountering in its implementation. In addition to this update, they were all eager to get information on the next 2009 JusticeMakers competition, not only to take part in the community but also to become aware of any new project susceptible of improving the functioning of judicial systems worldwide.

Discussions were very interesting even when conversation finally drifted out of the initial topic. It was for me the occasion to discover new aspects of the country I’m now living in, as much as for Burundians to laugh about my hesitating pronunciation of their language. Anecdotes were serious too when they evoked wartime in the region, with its amount of atrocities but also solidarities like when Astère and Joseph related us, in a mix of humoristic and serious tone, how they flew out of a region controlled by the rebellion. This meeting ended up late at night, the wisest cheering with soda, the most courageous opting for beer.

What is sure is that all are ready to reiterate this experience and want to be part of the growing JusticeMakers community. I also promised them a new gathering when the IBJ team will be visiting the country in the beginning of July for our second national criminal defense training in Bujumbura.