Burundi's Commission for Truth and Reconciliation (CVR) organized a two-day workshop from May 11-12, 2026, in Gitega, the political capital of Burundi. Leaders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church participated in this meeting, which aimed to discuss the church's role and contribution to national reconciliation and social cohesion in Burundi.
Church's Role in National Healing
The workshop took place in Gitega, which serves as Burundi's political capital. The Commission for Truth and Reconciliation (CVR) has stated its focus is on individuals physically and morally affected by crises, massacres, and injustices across Burundi. This attention stems from the understanding that Burundians aspire to both peace of heart and peace of body. The CVR pays particular attention to people physically and morally affected by crises, massacres, and injustices in Burundi, recognizing the profound impact of these events on individuals and communities. The CVR's engagement with religious institutions like the Église adventiste du septième jour forms part of a broader effort to address the lingering impacts of past conflicts. The commission seeks to facilitate reconciliation by involving key societal actors in discussions aimed at fostering social cohesion. Its mandate involves listening to testimonies and proposing mechanisms for healing and justice for those who have suffered. This collaborative approach shows the CVR's commitment to a holistic reconciliation process that draws upon the moral and social influence of religious bodies.
Addressing Inherited Land Disputes
The Commission for Truth and Reconciliation (CVR) is also tasked with settling land and other property disputes that have resulted from past crises in Burundi. The CVR intervenes as a mediator in these land and property disputes, aiming to resolve complex issues arising from historical dislocations. Houses and lands are prioritized in the restitution process for seized goods, reflecting the fundamental importance of property ownership for stability and peace. Participants in the workshop raised concerns regarding the transfer of cases from the National Commission for Land and Other Property (CNTB) to the CVR, particularly those with previously unexecuted decisions. These concerns highlight the complexities involved in transitioning and resolving long-standing property grievances.
For cases that the CNTB had judged but whose decisions were not executed, individuals are required to submit their documents to the CVR. The CVR's procedure dictates that if the investigation conclusions from both the CNTB and the CVR align, the decisions are executed. If, however, the conclusions diverge, the CVR conducts its own independent investigations to resolve the matter, ensuring a fair and thorough assessment. This rigorous process is designed to provide clarity and finality to property disputes. The Burundian penal code stipulates that refusal to vacate a house or plot of land, once it has been established to belong to another person, can lead to prosecution for rebellion against the state. This legal provision shows the seriousness with which the state approaches property rights and the enforcement of reconciliation decisions.
CVR President's Vision
Leaders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church participated in the workshop, which aimed to integrate their contributions into the broader national reconciliation efforts. Pierre-Claver Ndayicariye, president of the Commission for Truth and Reconciliation (CVR), emphasized the necessity of these dialogues. He stated that Burundi's national vision of becoming an emerging nation by 2040 and developed by 2060 hinges on achieving national reconciliation. This reconciliation, according to Ndayicariye, must be built upon foundations of mutual forgiveness and peaceful coexistence among all Burundians. Such a vision shows the long-term strategic importance of the CVR's work in fostering unity and stability. The CVR's engagement with religious institutions reflects this strategic approach, seeking to foster unity as a prerequisite for the country's long-term development goals. This perspective guides the commission's efforts to address historical grievances and promote social cohesion, ensuring that the path to national progress is paved with justice and harmony.