Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bujumbura (Agenzia Fides)- “These episodes of violence are signs of the tension present in this country, however we have not yet reached the point of no return: we can still go back, violence can be stopped” Fides was told by a local Catholic Church source in Bujumbura, the capital of Burundi, who asked not to be named for security reasons.
In Burundi grenade attacks continue. The latest episodes were registered on 20 June. Two people were killed and about ten injured in attacks in various parts of the country. A representative of the ruling party was shot in a district of the capital by unidentified gunmen.
“In Burundi there are still too many arms and explosives in circulation, 15 years since the end of the civil war. Whenever political or social tension rises some feel tempted to have recourse to armed violence. However the attacks seen so far would appear to be signals saying: careful, something is wrong. Although they are not intended to cause civil conflict, they do not lessen tension or calm fears ” the source told Fides. The government of Bujumbura has urged all citizens to hand in illegal weapons without incurring in penal consequences by 25 June.
The tension is due to a series of elections which started on 24 May with local elections. Opposition parties rejected on the ground of fraud the results of the local elections, won by the party of President Pierre Nkurunziza, calling for the vote to be repeated. By way of protest against the results the Opposition parties said they will not present candidates for the coming presidential elections set for 28 June or for legislative elections on 23 and 28 July. The Bishops of Burundi have urged political parties to accept the election results and prepare with calm and with respect for democratic rules for the next step in the electoral process (see Fides 21/6/2010).
“Efforts are being made to convince Opposition parties to present their respective candidates for parliamentary elections in July. There are encouraging signs, but time is short. The deadline for the presentation of electoral lists is June 27. Let's hope efforts at mediation will succeed” conclude Fides sources. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 23/6/2010)
