The Kingdom of the Netherlands wishes to improve cooperation with Burundi
RegionWeek Newsletter Vol III, Issue #140 | Wednesday, October 28, 2020
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Dear Readers,
This Wednesday, President of the Republic Evariste Ndayishimiye received in audience Mr. Jeroen T.M. Gerardus Steeghs, the new Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Burundi, who came to present his Letters of Credence. They exchanged views on relations and cooperation between the two countries and pledged to work for their strengthening.
Amb. Gerardus Steeghs affirmed his willingness to work for a strengthening of relations between his country and Burundi, in particular by supporting the efforts of the Government Burundians in the fight against poverty:
"Burundi is a friendly country and we wish to improve our cooperation by intervening in different sectors but mainly the agriculture sector because we subscribe to your vision, that every mouth has to eat and every pocket has money,” he said
The President received Mr. Daniel Ndoye, the Country Manager of the African Development Bank. Their discussions focused on the need, ways, and means to strengthen and diversify partnerships between the ADB and Burundi n accordance with the National Development Plan.
Mr. Daniel Ndoye said he salutes the relevance of Burundi policy on socio-economic development. According to him, AfDB rejoices to see regular project monitoring and reaffirm the commitment to quality and sustainability on current partnerships and future projects.
Tanzania elections
This Tuesday voters in Tanzania have cast ballots in elections where incumbent President John Magufuli seeks a second term in office despite criticism by the opposition of stifling dissent and narrowing democratic space since he took office five years ago.
According to BBC, Tanzania's main opposition leader says there has been "shameless" widespread vote-rigging in Wednesday's elections. But the National Electoral Commission says the accusations are unfounded.
The other major opposition party, ACT Wazalendo, which reported deadly violence ahead of the vote, said its polling agents witnessed ballot box-snatching by security agents, ballot box-stuffing and voters turned away by authorities who said ballots had run out, reports Aljazeera.
National Election Commission Director Wilson Mahera told reporters that counting had begun.
“We are ready for the job. Tomorrow [Thursday], we will be summing up the presidential results and start updating,” he said. It was not clear when results would be released.
The Heads of the Election Observation Missions to the United Republic of Tanzania’s 28 October General Elections, H.E. Sylvestre NTIBANTUNGANYA, former President of Burundi, East African Community (EAC) Mission; H.E. Goodluck JONATHAN, former President of Nigeria, the African Union (AU) Mission and Advocate Pansy TLAKULA, former Chairperson of South Africa’s Independent Electoral Commission, the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa (EISA) Mission, called upon Tanzania citizens and all political stakeholders to refrain from any acts that could undermine the peaceful conduct of these elections.
They urged all political leaders involved in these elections to continue prioritizing observance of law and order, and mutual respect, throughout the voting and counting process.
Thanks for reading
Fabrice Iranzi, RegionWeek.com
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