Trans African Caravan of Hope Kicks off in Burundi amidst Pomp and Color

Picture this. 

Some cyclists who were part of the procession 

A moving entourage full armed and alert police escort complete with attention sirens

TV  Journalists shooting an event with photographers snapping away Followed by over 150 cyclists all dressed up in white Trans African Caravan tshirts.  

Shortly followed by a bus load of caravanites going through the city of Bujumbura and out to the border Burundi and Rwanda border.

A  few hours earlier…

Shortly after the official launch. From Left- Minister for Environment, Jean Marie Nibirantije, Burundi's Vice President Therence Sininguruza and PACJA Continental Coordinator, Mithika Mwenda

Burundi’s vice president Therence Sininguruza grace the official launch of the Trans African Caravan of Hope which was held in Rwagezori stadium in Bujumbura, Burundi. Present was also the Minister for Environment, Jean Marie Nibirantije.

Burundi Rural Women with Charter

The event which was attended slightly by over 600 people was organized by the Burundi chapter of the PACJA task force commissioned to plan for Caravan of Hope events. This event was significant because it was the starting point of the historic Trans African Caravan of Hope, an awareness road trip through 10 countries in Africa starting with Burundi.  This event seeks to galvanize stakeholders, with an ultimate aim of telling the African story of climate change. The activities which are taking place before and during the road trip include bike rides, dhow rides, media, poetry and art among others.

Burundi Team Just before Take Off

This is also being accompanied by gathering of signatures for the Africa People’s Petition which countries around the world are signing on. The signed petitions will be handed over to Ms Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa, incoming President of the 17th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 17) and the seventh session of the Conference of the Parties serving as the Meeting of the Parties (COP/MOP 7).