New Ombudsman pledges to abide by the law

Edouard Nduwimana taking an oath as the new Burundi Ombudsman

After he was sworn in as the new Ombudsman, Edouard Nduwimana, told journalists he would carry out his mission according to laws regulating the institution. “I will try to fulfill my missions in accordance with the law on Ombudsman institution and the National Constitution with the support of  the Burundian people and public administration”, he said.

Some important personalities who attended the swearing-in ceremonies expressed their expectations as to what the new Ombudsman would accomplish.

Archbishop Evariste Ngoyagoye emphasized the importance of the role of the Ombudsman in a country rife with conflicts like Burundi. “We hope that the newly elected Ombudsman  will be someone who builds bridges where there are walls andseparations as the Pope often says it”, he said.

Cheikh Kajandi Sadiki, the chairman of the Burundi Islamic Community (COMIBU), said he expected Nduwimana to successfully carry out his missions as he is a person who “loves the nation, works for its development and is ready to assist people who come to him for help”.

The government’s spokesman, Philippe Nzobonariba, said that Nduwimana won the trust of many as it was proved by his election by the overwhelming majority of MPs. “He has never disappointed people, and he won’t start now with his new functions”, he said. Nzobonariba said the government expected the new Ombudsman, on the basis of his professional experience, to successfully carry out his duties. “He is a hard worker and doesn’t drag his feet on any issue”, he said.
Nduwimana, a scapegoat

Nzobonariba dismissed the accusations that Nduwimana was instrumental in the division of political parties during his time as the Minister of Home Affairs. “That’s a long-held tradition of politicians who always try to find a scapegoat when they run short of arguments”. Echoing what Nduwimana said back in 2014, Nzobonariba argued that Nduwimana cannot be held responsible of

divisions within political parties since they started long before he was even born.
The new Ombudsman, member of the CNDD-FDD ruling party and majority in the Parliament, will be in office for six years non-renewable.