Burundi on the 9th Day of Electoral Campaign
The Briefing Issue #85, Wednesday, May 6, 2020
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BURUNDI IN THE HEADLINES
Dear Readers
This Wednesday in Cankunzo President Pierre Nkurunziza made a comment on the recent cases of violence reported by the police. He warned everyone who wants to disturb the electoral process and political leaders who propagate messages inciting their militants to violence.
Pascal Barandagiye, Minister of the Interior in a press conference held this May 6, 2020, accused political parties and especially the CNL Party of his misconduct in this period of electoral campaigns of wanting to disrupt order and security in this ongoing election campaign. Barandagiye calls on politicians to respect the roadmap signed by them on December 23, 2019, in Kayanza.
Election
In a statement from the Independent Electoral Commission, this Wednesday it was announced that over 90% of voters have withdrawn their voting cards. In 11 of the 18 provinces in Burundi, the withdrawal rate of these cards exceeds 90%. However, Voters can still withdraw their cards from the communal representation of the Electoral Commission until May 12.
The independent national electoral commission deplores behavior that goes against the electoral code especially "violent communication" which is used during this period of the electoral campaign.
Media
The appeal trial of the four journalists of the Iwacu Press Group imprisoned for more than six months was this Wednesday. The defense welcomed the impartiality of the court which sat at Bubanza. The verdict will be announced in 30 days.
COMESA COVID-19 UPDATES
COVID-19 has continued to spread in countries in the region. As more countries continue to strengthen their testing capabilities, more cases have been recorded. Since the last situational update on 28 April 2020, the region has reported a total of 13,739 cases (an increase of 4,148 new cases). While Comoros had not recorded any COVID-19 case for a long period of time, a first case was recorded on 30 April 2020.
Despite the increase in the number of new cases, a positive trend has been observed in the numbers of total recoveries which have risen to 4,257. The positive numbers recorded in terms of recoveries is an association with health care measures countries have put in place that ensures early detection and proper management of the cases, including improved treatment centers.
Due to the high numbers of recoveries and the low numbers of new cases reported in some countries such as Seychelles, Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya, there has been a gradual easing of some of the restrictive measures that had been put in place. As a result, some businesses have been opened primarily to allow people to sustain livelihoods.
As per the current data Egypt, Djibouti and Tunisia have recorded the highest numbers of COVID-19 cases in the region with 7,201, 1,120, and 1,022, respectively. While Djibouti and Tunisia recorded high numbers of cases in the initial stages, the current trend indicates a relatively low number of new cases.
The initial high numbers of cases in these two countries are associated with the mass testing initiatives that were aimed at testing, tracing, and treatment. While Egypt continues to record high numbers of daily cases in the region, it has also recorded high numbers of recoveries (1,730). This has, in turn, reduced the number of active cases to 5,019. Egypt has also conducted the highest numbers of tests in the region.
Download the Comesa situational Updates here
Thanks for reading!
Fabrice Iranzi,
Editor, RegionWeek.com
RegionWeek is a Burundi-based media for a new generation of achievers in Africa, a platform devoted to chronicling the journey to Freedom and Empowerment.