Germany pleads with Burundi not to touch the Arusha Agreement

Ambassador Georg Schmidt: “Changing a Constitution is one thing but modifying an agreement signed in the presence of the International partners is another thing.”

On his third visit in Burundi in two years, Ambassador Georg Schmidt, Regional Director for Sub-Saharan Africa and Sahel of the Federal Ministry for Foreign Affairs indicated that Germany is concerned with the country’s current situation. “The UN Human Rights reports are not encouraging. Several refugees are still living in exile”, he says.

He goes on to say that Germany supports the regional mediation headed by the former Tanzanian president, William Mkapa, to restore peace.

“It is important for us to organize an inclusive dialogue to end the current crisis. Burundi Government shall create a political space with an inclusive and free dialogue for all stakeholders. Moreover, there is no need criminalizing all people who have opposing views”, underlines the Ambassador. Schmidt states that there are concerns such as the opposition and military resistance with the jurisdictional process. For him, it is important to consider different opinions without criminalizing all the opposition.

Concerning the Arusha Agreement, the Regional Director for Sub-Saharan Africa and Sahel says it is of paramount importance as it offers the possibility for Burundi to overcome the crisis. “The Arusha Agreement is the fundamental key to sustainable peace and security in Burundi. Changing the Constitution is one thing but modifying an agreement signed in the presence of International partners is another thing. Power sharing and the public affairs management according to the Arusha Agreement are the key to lasting peace and security in Burundi”, he says.

Germany promises to continue to support Burundi. “We work with the population in different domains such as health, water, etc. As many persons said, there aren’t any sanctions against Burundi. Even though we have suspended to cooperate directly with the government, we continue to work hand in hand with the population”, concludes Ambassador Georg Schmidt.