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John B Manirakiza

John B Manirakiza
John B Manirakiza
6803 Supreme Court,Springfield, VA 22150
jmanirakiza@gmail.com


Representing ENGAGING For ACTION IN BURUNDI (EFAB-BIRATURABA), a Burundian-American Diaspora organization committed to a peaceful, democratic and prosperous Burundi.

Professional: Washington DC based -Independent Consultant associated with Wasafiri Consulting Group.

Founder and CEO, Great Lakes of Africa Partners,Inc; Interest and Advocacy: Human Rights, Peace, Democracy and Governance, International Development and Trade, especially USA-Africa.

African Diaspora advocacy and leadership
I am a Burundian-American Community leader engaged in advocacy for political, economic rights of the African diaspora in the USA while fostering full integration of the Burundian, East African communities in the USA . With a Pan-African perspective , I maintain a strong link with the African continent, especially with my native Burundi. Some of the most important issues include Human Rights, Democracy and Governance, Rule of Law and Economic empowerment of the African immigrants in the USA as well as on the African Continent. In the USA, in partnership with federal, state, local stakeholders to assist less privileged communities, especially refugees, to enjoy and pursue their version of the American dream. Moreover, I follow developments in the Great Lakes of Africa Region and provide regular analysis and if necessary organize events to increase awareness about pending crises in the Great Lakes of African within the American population Diaspora communities as well as within the African community at large.

Media: Regular appearances on VOA Radio and TV , Sahara Reporters,as Political Analyst on Burundi and the Great Lakes of Africa and Africa at Large.

Community Engagement

I coordinate Immigrants and Refugees programs to raise awareness of their agency in their integration US society. For example, I established an incubator project for Burundian farmers in Fredericksburg, Virginia and plan to engage more African immigrants into sustainable food production in the USA.

With partner organizations such as Food for All, Wholesome Waves, Office of Refugee Resettlement, the Burundian community in Fredericksburg is on to become full partners in increasing of available fresh and healthy food in their community.

Through leadership and active engagement, not only in Burundian community but also in partner African organizations, I am recognized as one of the most dynamic Burundian Americans of the Washington DC Metro. I regularly collaborate with other opinion leaders to increase synergies among many other African organizations with people from various backgrounds.
In reference to the Burundian crisis, Engaging For Action in Burundi (EFAB-Biraturaba) has been at the forefront of organizing marches and rallies throughout the USA, outreach to the local, state and federal officials to raise awareness about the potential for a catastrophy in Burundi if mass violation of Human Rights persists. We have urged to Government of the United States to pay more attention to the Burundian situation.

Most recently, through Great Lakes of Africa Partners, Inc, I have begun commercial dialogue with African entrepreneurs who are interested in the AGOA legislation in order to increase awareness of possible trade opportunities for both Small and Medium Enterprises both in African countries and American businesses…

Other responsibilities: Board Member and Spokesperson for Engaging For Action in Burundi(EFAB-Biraturaba), a 501-4C incorporated in Massachusetts, USA.

Education: University of Burundi, Faculty of Law,
B.S Business Management, Western Governors University

Hobby and other interest: Soccer, Reading, ICT and Development