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The following is an exerpt from a true story about a radio station, Studio Ijambo, broadcasting throughout Burundi since 1995, which has dedicated its programming to the promotion of reconciliation and peace. Studio Ijambo employs both Hutu and Tutsi journalists to produce around 15 hours of public news and cultural programming per day.

"**Studio Ijambo together with Burundi’s media professionals** **Create National Radio Syndicate to Ensure Timely, Accurate, and Transparent Coverage of National Referendum**" Burundian media professionals have channeled their energies into the creation of a national network to ensure accurate and professional coverage of the constitutional referendum which began 28th February. This Media Synergy, initiated by Studio Ijambo, is composed of five radio stations (Bonesha, Isanganiro, Renaissance, Culture and Nderegakura (Scolaire), as well as the Agence Burundaise de Presse and the Studio Ijambo. Studio Ijambo is a project of Search For Common Ground, the international conflict resolution organisation. The broadcasts are also transmitted via internet through the web streaming of Radio Isanganiro (www.isanganiro.org) to reach out to Burundians around the world. To this end, the five radio stations have agreed to broadcast 16 special news broadcasts during the four days, which will be simultaneously broadcast on all five of these radio stations. Over 50 journalists are stationed throughout the 17 provinces enabling far more comprehensive coverage than any single radio station. These bulletins (in French and Kirundi, each 30 minutes long) are prepared by a team of 15 journalists who have united to create a special joint news team that is coordinating the network of correspondents and preparing the 16 special news editions. The 2005 elections in Burundi mark a crucial step towards the peace process in the country and signal the end of the decade–long transition period. In creating the Media Synergy, Burundian media has demonstrated its professionalism and commitment to play a positive and constructive role in following the peace process. In preparation for this initiative, Studio Ijambo -SFCG trained one hundred Burundian journalists organised for comprehensive, accurate election coverage. The effort has had the support of various resources, including other peace building NGOs working in the region. Contact – Lena Slachmuijlder – Great Lakes Media Coordinator, +257 922 412 or email – lenas@lantic.net." (1)

On the night of Friday, August 14, 2004, Burundian Hutu rebels killed at least 180 Tutsi refugees in a UN operated refugee camp in western Burundi. Attackers armed with machetes, grenades, and automatic weapons ambushed and raized refugee camp near the border with The Republic of Congo, their victims mostly families of women and children. A Hutu rebel group, the FNL, claimed responsibility for the attack, while also claiming that the camp was a hideout for Burundian Army soldiers and Congolese tribal militiamen. The attack happened as most residents were sleeping, with the rebels beating drums as the invaded the camp. At least 159 refugees were killed on the spot, with 30 others wounded, who died in the hospital. The stationed refugees had fled from Hutu-Tutsi tribal conflict in both Burundi and the Republic of Congo. The survivors were moved to a nearby school where they were protected by the Burundian National Army. This is a horrific example of just how terrible the crisis is in Burundi, just over two years ago (3).
 * 2004 Massacre in Burundian Refugee Camp**

This is Germene Ntamuheza. She, along with her husband Dams Bwanacuya, hid 10 Tutsis, saving their lives, in the town of Muranvya. To read about Germene and Dams's stories and many more, click [|here] (2).
 * A glimmer of hope in the chaos and violence:** In April 2004 in the Burundian town of Bujumbura, Studio Ijambo also held the "Heroes Summit" which was a celebration to recognize all of those who did heroic deeds during the genocide. It was a two-day long ordeal and many very important people such as Burundi's vice president and the Burundi U.N. representative attended to recognize all of those who were heroic. The celebration included many performances of dance and music, disscussions about topics such as peace, justice, and coexistense. The heroes also went to various peace groups to talk about their experiences and actions. The celebration was a great success and it acheived its goal to recognize those who saved lives.



This is a podcast of a discussion about an interview with a Rwandan refugee. The ethnic crisis in Rwanda is very similar to that in Burundi and its refugees face many of the same hardships, so we think this is pertinent to this page.

Sources: (1) "Search for Common Ground." __Sfcg.Org__. 18 Apr. 2007 <[|http://www.sfcg.org>.] (2) "Heroic Stories." __Search for Common Ground__. 26 Apr. 2007 <[|http://www.sfcg.org/Programmes/burundi/hero_recipients.html>.] (3) Niyoyita, Aloys. "World News." __Boston.Com__. 15 Aug. 2004. The Boston Globe. 3 May 2007 .