Bujumbura (Fides Service) - "This is a good sign" a priest in Burundi told Fides Service after the return to the country of the two Hutu rebel movement leaders Jean-Bosco Ndayikengurikiye leader of the FDD Forces for the Defence of Democracy, and Alain Mugabarabona head of NLF National Liberation Forces. The two rebel leaders returned to Bujumbura, capital of Burundi, to take part in peace talks with the government. Hutu rebel movements are fighting the regular army formed of Tutsi. "Peace will never be reached until all the rebel leaders come 'home'" the local source who asked not to be named, told Fides Service. "When they all feel safe again in their own country and a climate of reciprocal trust has been restored, then peace will be possible. This return was a first important step towards peace". Embers of violence still burn in various parts of the country and armed clashes are reported in the west. The Burundian priest says "very often this is banditry rather than warfare. There are also many episodes of private revenge. In all these years war has sown so much hatred and it is difficult to uproot. The Church makes every effort to create a climate of reconciliation, working particularly in schools to foster integration among children and youth whatever their ethnic origin. Our task is to bear witness to the Gospel and to instill Christian hope. Opening schools and dispensaries, digging wells is the Church's way of offering concrete signs of hope. Without hope, peace is impossible."
The fact that the priest prefers not to reveal his name shows the tension that exists in Burundi today. When will Africans be free to speak their minds? LM (Fides Service 19/2/2003 EM lines 24 Words: 314)