Canada concerned Burundi president to seek fourth term

The president Pierre Nkurunziza indicated that he will stand for another term if the people want him in the power. Canada has concerns.

On Thursday 5th January, the minister of foreign affairs in Canada released a declaration in which he explained his fears for the future in Burundi.

“Canada is troubled by recent comments from President Pierre Nkurunziza indicating his intention to seek a fourth presidential term in 2020 and to proceed with constitutional amendments while Burundi is in a state of crisis. The Arusha Agreement and the constitution limit a president to two five-year terms”, said Mr. Stéphane Dion, the minister of foreign affairs.

“Canada was involved in drafting the Arusha Agreementin August 2000“and welcomed the implementation of the political transition in Burundi, in 2005. Peace building and national reconciliation remain fragile in Burundi. Canada recognizes the major efforts made by Burundi to consolidate peace and contribute to peace and security in the world, notably in Somalia, Mali and the Central Africa Republic where Burundian soldiers are working on peace missions.

“Canada was involved in drafting the Arusha Agreementin August 2000, which was considered the founding principles for peace. The agreement states that no president should serve more than two terms. When Nkurunziza declared his candidacy for a third term in the 2015 elections, many Burundians felt he was tearing up the rule book for peace.”

The Canadian foreign minister said such comments about a fourth term would only add to the instability and prevent a lasting political solution to the current crisis, which started with President Nkurunziza announcing his candidacy for a third term in April 2015.

In a public conference, on 30th December 2016, President Pierre Nkurunziza said that the problem in Burundi is not a problem of terms but rather a problem of good leaders. Therefore, he will not only respect the constitution but also continue to serve the public. He said that if the people want to change the

constitution, they have the right to do so.
The CNDD-FDD has already attempted to change the constitution to remove term limits in 2014 but their attempt was not successful.