BUJUMBURA, January 22nd (ABP) – Barrister and President of the National Bar Committee, Mr. Patrick Didier Nukuri, hosted a press conference on Monday, January 20, 2025, as part of the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Bujumbura Bar Association, under the theme “75 years of commitment to the rule of law: The Bujumbura Bar, a major player in quality justice”.
According to him, the celebration is an opportunity to look back on the history of their institution, to recall and commend its role in the defense and promotion of justice, human rights and the rule of law.
In addition, the celebration allows them to reflect on current and future challenges in order to continue to play their full role in the socio-economic development of the country. During its 75 years of existence, he added, the Bujumbura Bar has been a major player in the Burundian judicial system, stressing that it has always ensured the independence of justice, the continuing education of lawyers, the improvement of the conditions of practice of the profession and the promotion of the founding ideals of a rule of law.
In addition, the Bar and its members have always played a major role in many cases, some more emblematic than others, which have marked legal and political history. He also underscored that the Bar continues to work tirelessly to ensure access to justice for all, while contributing to the consolidation of the rule of law and democracy.
According to Mr. Nukuri, the Bujumbura Bar has reached many important milestones in recent years, particularly in terms of increasing staff numbers, professionalization, modernization of work tools, assistance to the vulnerable and involvement in the country’s legal reforms.
However, he revealed, several challenges remain, including ensuring the total independence of justice, strengthening the training of lawyers in the face of new requirements of national and international law, and combating inequalities in access to justice.
To meet those challenges, the Bar is committed to continuing its efforts to adapt its actions to the needs of a constantly changing world. It will place particular emphasis on extending access to justice for the most vulnerable and promoting alternative dispute resolution methods, such as arbitration and mediation. In addition, international cooperation will be a central axis of the Bar’s strategy, in order to promote human rights at the sub-regional, continental and global levels.
The Bujumbura Bar reaffirmed its commitment to working with all stakeholders in the judicial sector and to actively participate in building a better future for the country.
He took the opportunity to inform the general public and friends of the Bujumbura Bar Association in particular that the celebration of the jubilee anniversary will take place in two stages, including the Bar Week which begins on January 21-22, 2025 in the three centers of the city of Bujumbura at the headquarters of the Kanyosha zone (south of the capital) and at the headquarters of the Buterere and Kamenge zones (north of the capital).
A three-day debate conference is also planned to take place from February 19 to 21, 2025 in Bujumbura. On this occasion, all partners and various stakeholders in the justice system will be called upon to discept issues relating to the rule of law, justice and its place in the development of Burundi.
He called on all plaintiffs who wish to have advice and guidance on legal issues to come to the indicated locations.