The Burundi crisis will be the central focus of a congressional hearing set for Wednesday, July 22 by U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04), chairman of the Africa and global human rights subcommittee. A trio of human rights non-government organizations (NGOs) and an academic will testify. 

“This hearing comes at a critical time for the small, landlocked African nation of Burundi,” said Rep. Chris Smith, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Africa subcommittee.  “By shining a light on the increasing political violence and the constitutional impasse created by President Pierre Nkurunziza’s decision not to abide by constitutionally-mandated term limits, we hope to avert greater conflict and put an end to the growing refugee crisis.  The hour is late but there is still time – if we can muster the attention to care and the will to help.”

WHAT:           Congressional hearing entitled “The Unfolding Crisis in Burundi.”

WHO:             Smith, members of the Subcommittee on Africa and global human rights, and witnesses:

• Michael Jobbins, Director of Global Affairs, Search for Common Ground 

• Elavie Ndura, Ph.D., Professor of Education, George Mason University

• Alissa Wilson, Public Education and Advocacy Coordinator for Africa, American Friends Service Committee

• Steve McDonald, Global Fellow, Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars

WHEN: Wednesday, July 22 at 12 noon

WHERE:        Room 2200 in the Rayburn House Office Building (second floor).

###