Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bujumbura (Agenzia Fides) – An assassination attempt was foiled against the Archbishop of Bujumbura, His Exc. Mgr. Evariste Ngoyagoye during the procession yesterday, Sunday, May 31. "This is what was reported to Voice of America by one of the alleged members of the commando that had to act yesterday", sources of the Church of Burundi told Agenzia Fides. "The security service, formed by the young of the archdiocese, contributed to foiling the attack", say our sources.
The Episcopal Conference with two recent statements made its position clear in the crisis born after President Pierre Nkurunziza announced his intention to stand for elections scheduled on June 26 in order to get a third term, in violation of the Constitution and the Peace Accords in Arusha.
In a message dated 12 May (see Fides 21/5/2015), the Bishops called for the postponement of the elections, while at the end of May (see Fides 28/05/2015) announced the withdrawal of priests who had received permission to be part of the independent electoral commissions.
Also yesterday, May 31, the Summit of the Heads of State of East Africa was held in Dar es Salaam in Tanzania.
"The Burundian opposition is disappointed with the Summit of Heads of State because they have taken a very weak position" say Fides sources. "The participants were only asked to postpone the election for a month and a half, whereas the reopening of the opposition radio and the question of the third term of Nkurunziza was not asked. Opposition leaders have therefore announced the resumption of demonstrations after a pause for a few days. The situation remains very tense", say local sources of Fides. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 01/06/2015)
