August 2008Burundi's President, Pierre Nkurunziza loves nothing more than taking to the soccer field. He uses these appearances, which inevitably draw large crowds, to push his message of peace and reconciliation."We shouldn't hold back on attacking but we shouldn't hurt him," a coach tells his team who are about to play the Haleluya Football Club. The Halelyua team's star player and focus of the coach's remark is none other than Nkurunziza. Burundi's "Football President" believes that the great game can unite the tribal divisions that ravaged his nation. "Soccer in Burundi is very popular and when you come here you see all the people, even the old men, old women, come to watch. It is very important to unite the people." Until four years ago Nkurunziza was a rebel soldier waging a guerilla war against the Tutsi soldiers. In 2005 he was elected President under a deal to end the conflict between the Tutsi-dominated army and Hutu rebels. Finally a ceasefire seems to be holding. "We can publicly announce that we have ended the war. And the energy we were using to fight and to flee, will now be used to mend the hearts of the people of Burundi and to develop our country," exclaims Nkurunziza. The government has promised universal health care and free primary education. Yet in a nation where money is sparse, everyone is called in to help and the President is setting the example.Produced by SBS/DatelineDistributed by Journeyman Pictures
There is always a place for hope. I lived in Burundi for 6 years when I was little and I think that unfortunatelly colonisation (particularly on the behalf of Belges) have exported the europeans own etnic conflicts into this african society, ones integrated into one and only peaceful social pyramid. No one knows how to solve this now... I sincerily hope Burundians will, someday. Every effort is hugely important.
trancebynature2(April 22, 2009 at 7:35 pm)
ive been to burundi stayed for one month there....beutifull country....
Xaymaicana(January 30, 2009 at 3:07 am)
wow...interesting. its sad that black ppl world wide go through such hardships but its our natural sense of pride and resilience (hope i spelled that right lol) that makes us strong ppl.
Xaymaicana(January 30, 2009 at 3:04 am)
ISEEKTRUTH1 AMEN!!!!
Xaymaicana(January 30, 2009 at 2:59 am)
lol. XD
scaran3(October 3, 2008 at 4:06 am)
How can i stand and say im proud to be burundian when my country is lead by a fake ass soccer player??? now thers a new one from the bush who can barely speak french who wants to lead too,i mean c'mon! i wonder what will be burundi in 50years... THE SAME... PLEASE IS THERE ANY SMART BURUNDIAN OUT THERE WHO CAN LEAD AND CHANGE THINGS???
Frozenyak(September 7, 2008 at 8:16 pm)
whats tutsi?
mara0dude0(September 6, 2008 at 2:47 pm)
clap 3 times...s pin around and say the name of the person you want to be with? forever...post this on 7 pages and this saturday that person will suddely relize how much you mean to them... you dont do this... that person will think the oppiste and never want to see you again... it worked for mee! just tryy it
ludachris475(August 30, 2008 at 9:01 pm)
This man is a worthless paedophile.
bekere(August 29, 2008 at 2:33 am)
Thank u man, and I think you are in my point even there is no deferent understanding among us except a litle, you where is it? I havew never seen promises in Burundi to be kept, but I do agree with you for the Peacemaking and building, so we as burundians are still waiting for internal tranquility.
faburundi(August 29, 2008 at 2:12 am)
listen bekere u may say that i know nothing but the thing is that i do agree... promises are not being made. but on the other hand you must not forget the promises that have been kept! Of course presidents in Africa are jealous because thats how african politics are. but burundi is the leading example for peacemaking and peacebuilding! Most burundians are optimistic but how do u expect optimism in one of the 5 poorest countries...then u wonder why the pres. can't alwayz keep his promises
bekere(August 28, 2008 at 6:58 am)
Faburundi don`t try to be rude coz you know nothing but do believe me all Burundians are Optimistics and always think positively the problem here is that promises from Gov. are not fullfiled that`sw why misery still in Burundian hearts, and let me tell you something we people must critisize for the truth for development not for distruction and chaos.
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