Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bujumbura (Agenzia Fides)- “ The situation is tense but all parties are still determined to find a solution to the political crisis” a local Church source told Fides from the Burundian capital Bujumbura, where a series of attacks increased tension connected with the political crisis which broke when Opposition parties refused take part in the upcoming elections. On 12 June in Bujumbura, seven people were wounded in a series of attacks with hand grenades. At the same time in various parts of the country unidentified persons set fire to the electoral offices of the ruling party, the National Council for the Defence of Democracy (NCDD). On 24 May local elections were won by the NCDD led by the President Pierre Nkurunziza. Opposition parties, to protest against the results, decided not to take part in the next elections. Presidential elections will be held on 28 June and legislative elections on 23 and 28 July.
“It is not easy to say who is responsible for the acts of violence, we only hope they are isolated attacks by extremist groups with little impact on the population” says Fides' source who prefers for security reasons not to be named.
“Electoral lists for parliamentary elections have to be presented within two weeks. Efforts are being made to convince the Opposition to take part in the electoral competition. The local Catholic Church is offering a valid and discrete service of mediation. We think there is still room for negotiation. One positive fact is that all the political forces, majority and opposition, have publicly promised not to resort to violence, also because the people are decidedly against any more civil strife, after years of violence and grief ” Fides' source concludes.
After years of civil war (which broke out in 1993), Burundi has enjoyed relative peace, since, April 2009, when the NLF (National Liberation Force), the last rebel group in activity, laid down its weapons (see Fides 23/4/2009). (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 14/6/2010)
