The Batwa people face systemic injustice and discrimination. This can be seen in the most-obvious place – the justice system of Burundi. We are learning that often times the Batwa are subject to unfair treatment under the law of their land and left to languish without any advice, advocates or a way out. Our friends tell us of frequently being brought to court under false pretense and having no one to defend them. Batwa are wrongfully imprisoned on a regular basis, and there is no one to argue for their release. When the Batwa are the victims of violence or not paid for their work, they have little recourse as no one can speak for them in a legal venue. It is as if they are invisible in their own country and in their own courts.

Many of our Batwa students have seen this injustice touch their own families and communities. Each has a story (usually more than one) of people in their life who are in prison and have no way out. They know too well what it is to work hard and not be paid – and have nowhere to turn for help. So it is not surprising that many of our Batwa students want to be educated in law.

These students aspire to be advocates for their people. They want to possess knowledge of the law so that they can give sound advice, represent the Batwa in court and break the cycle of injustice that plagues the Batwa at this time. These students dream of defending the Batwa and restoring their names within the community.
Here are some of their comments as they consider a future in law…

Thierry Ndikumwenayo wants to be able to offer legal help to his people. He says often a Batwa will pay a lawyer to represent them in court, only to find the lawyer does not represent them fairly or at all. Sometimes the lawyer will not even show up to court to make a defense, allowing the Batwa person to be a victim, yet again. Thierry wants to be present for his people, to show up and provide a fair argument and work for justice.

Pascal Nshimirimana dreams of helping the Batwa who currently have no representatives in court. He plans on getting his education in law so he can empower his community by giving them rights in the court system. He wants to work in the court system, but also out in the countryside villages to teach the Batwa about their rights and how the justice system works so they will no be vicitms any longer.

Lyduine Ndayikengurukiye wants the Batwa to have someone who can help them and explain the law to them. She dreams of seeing Batwa in government leadership positions and of one day even having a Mutwa President!

Dieudonne Ndayikeje has witnessed Batwa being taken to court all too often. He wants to get his law degree so he can someday offer relief to his community, those who have been so mistreated during his lifetime. He plans to provide them with a trust-worthy legal representative.

These students aim to change the face of justice for the Batwa in Burundi. We are part of that hope as we pray for them and partner with them amid their education years.