“Those who wish to get married should first build their own house. » This opinion of the president of the Makamba high court sparked strong reactions on social networks. If the person concerned justifies his remarks by the numerous cases of unpaid rent which abound in the courts, does the financial situation of young Burundians allow each of them to build a house before getting married?
On a quiet weekend, I scroll through my news feed on X, looking for interesting information. Then, this tweet jumps out at me: “Young people who want to get married should first build their own house”. Intrigued, I click to discover the author of these remarks: the president of the TGI of Makamba.
The reason? He explains that the courts of this province are swamped with cases of unpaid rent, often linked to women abandoned by their husbands. According to him, building a house would be a guarantee against such mishaps.
Even though I don’t live in Makamba, the single person in me feels concerned. And I’m not the only one. Many young Internet users criticize the decision. If it starts from a good intention, the proposal of the president of the TGI comes up against a financial situation of most young Burundians which is complicated to say the least. Forcing every young Burundian to build a house before getting married is easier said than done.
A disconnected opinion
The figures are clear. According to the Youth Economic Empowerment and Employment Program (PAEEJ), 72% of the Burundian population is young. 40% of these are aged between 15 and 35. What made the president of the TGI Makamba think that these young people were sleeping on a mattress of banknotes? If that were the case, it would be known.
According to the PAEEJ, a census of young unemployed people carried out in 2020 shows that 400,000 young graduates are unemployed, while the government, the country’s largest employer, only employs 120,000 civil servants. The reality is that many young people struggle to make ends meet.
It is understandable that the president of the TGI is seeking a solution to a social problem, and it is commendable. But demanding that every young person build their own house before getting married is asking for the impossible.
With galloping inflation and rising prices that continue to hit Burundians, building a house was a mountain to climb for ordinary Burundians. For young people, when we add the cost of marriage, the equation becomes even more complicated. In my opinion, if we are to hope for a solution commensurate with the situation, we should consider responses that rhyme with the reality of young Burundians. This will necessarily involve the creation of job opportunities and financial support for projects led by young people.
Did you find this article useful?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Dr. Elise Niyonzima, Sociologist and Youth Advocate
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Niyonzima! Thank you for joining us today to discuss a rather controversial statement made by the president of the Makamba high court regarding marriage and home ownership. It’s sparked quite a reaction online. What are your initial thoughts on his remark, “Young people who want to get married should first build their own house”?
Dr. Elise Niyonzima: Thank you for having me! It’s truly a thought-provoking statement. While I understand that the president may have meant to address the serious issue of unpaid rent and the subsequent legal troubles that arise — particularly for women who find themselves abandoned — his suggestion reflects a disconnect from the economic realities faced by young Burundians today.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely. As you were referencing, the statistics show that a significant portion of the population is young, with 72% of Burundians under 30 years old. Do you think the situation in Makamba is representative of the challenges young people face across the country?
Dr. Elise Niyonzima: Yes, definitely. The challenges of economic instability and limited access to financial resources are widespread. Building a house is not just a personal milestone; it’s a substantial financial commitment. Many young families are struggling to secure basic needs, much less a long-term investment like home ownership. The ideal of building a house before marriage, while noble, overlooks these pressing financial constraints.
Time.news Editor: It seems like the president’s suggestion, though well-intentioned, misses the mark regarding what young families truly need. How important do you think it is for policymakers to involve the youth in discussions about such significant societal issues?
Dr. Elise Niyonzima: It’s crucial! Young people are not only the future of the nation but also currently the majority. Engaging them in policy discussions allows for diverse perspectives that can lead to more inclusive and effective solutions. If we want to create policies that reflect the realities faced by young Burundians, their voices need to be heard in the decision-making process.
Time.news Editor: Agreed. Social media has played a big role in amplifying the voices of the youth in this situation. What do you make of the online reactions to the president’s statement?
Dr. Elise Niyonzima: The fervor on social media is a testament to the frustrations of young people. Many users express that the idea of home ownership as a prerequisite for marriage is not only impractical but also somewhat patronizing. It highlights a generational gap and the urgent need to re-evaluate our societal norms and expectations regarding marriage and financial stability.
Time.news Editor: So, what alternatives would you suggest for addressing issues like unpaid rent and societal expectations around marriage without placing undue burdens on young people?
Dr. Elise Niyonzima: Rather than imposing conditions, let’s focus on implementing educational and economic programs that empower youth. For instance, job creation initiatives, financial literacy programs, and supportive measures for affordable housing could provide a more realistic path for young couples. Encouraging communal living solutions or enhancing access to rental agreements could also alleviate pressures without forcing home ownership.
Time.news Editor: Those are some insightful suggestions. In closing, what message do you think young people in Burundi want to convey to their leaders in light of this discussion?
Dr. Elise Niyonzima: They want to be seen and heard. Young Burundians are looking for understanding and support rather than judgment or unrealistic expectations. It’s essential for leaders to recognize the unique challenges they face and to foster an environment where they feel empowered to build their futures on their own terms.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Niyonzima, for your valuable insights. It’s clear that this topic deserves further exploration, and hopefully, the dialog continues beyond this moment.
Dr. Elise Niyonzima: Thank you for having me! I appreciate the opportunity to discuss this important issue.