Bujumbura (Fides Service)- “We are waiting to see if the words are followed by deeds. Too often in the recent past announcements have been made but nothing has happened” a local Church source in Burundi told Fides after the news that the National Liberation Forces FNL rebel group has announced it is ready to stop hostilities and negotiate with the government. The FNL is the last resistant group of Burundian rebels and so far it refused to sign any peace agreement with the government. Last year, the main rebel group in Burundi Forces for Defence of Democracy (FDD) and the national unity government signed a peace agreement which stipulated an immediate cessation of the hostilities on both sides and for the rebels the vice-presidency, four ministries and 40% of army officer posts and 35% of police officer posts.
“However the situation is calm all over the country and this is encouraging” local sources told Fides.
This week the Xaveri Movement (promoted by Catholic Action), which is marking its 50th anniversary, is organising a series of initiatives for peace. “We are holding conferences and prayer vigils for peace” one of the organisers Rev Salvatore Niciteretse, from Bururi diocese told Fides. “And the people come in great numbers. Our aim is to promote the values of tolerance, truth, freedom, justice and solidarity which are the pillars of authentic peace”.
The events are broadcast on local television and radio and the peace march in the capital Burundi on Sunday 25 April will be broadcast live on national television and. “The march will be the closing event of a week of celebrations for the 50th year of Xaveri but it will not be the end of our initiatives for peace. In fact we intend to dedicate ourselves the Mary during the month of May and implore her to help us bring peace back to our country” Rev. Salvatore concludes. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 22/4/2004, righe 29 parole 358)