International Day of Peace in Burundi

During the celebration of the International Day of Peace, this Sunday 21 September, the associations Action for Peace and Development (APD) and Coalition for Peace in Burundi (COPA) indicate that Burundi is facing difficult times. They ask the Burundi Government to ensure peace and security.-By Lorraine Josiane Manishatse

Emery Patrick Nshimirimana, the COPA Legal Representative and Cédric Ndayongeje, the Legal Representative of ADP from left to right ©Iwacu

According to Emery Patrick Nshimirimana, the COPA Legal Representative, Burundi is marked by political tensions, killings and human rights violations. “As we approach the election period, we observe bickering between political parties members. Our leaders transmit words that can divide the population. We are in a critical period when the Government is accused of interference in different political parties’ internal affairs”, he declares.

Cédric Ndayongeje, the Legal Representative of ADP, approaches the subject from the same angle. For him, the 2015 elections are not well prepared as there are still many political actors abroad while others are not authorized to meet their members. “It seems that the 2015 elections will not be transparent, fully inclusive, free and fair”, he deplores.

Moreover, Nshimirimana complains about the delayed implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (DVR). There are also concerns that the work of the National Commission on Land and other Assets is not balanced. “There are also different political opinions on the Independent National Election Committee CENI. There are complaints about its composition, competence and impartiality, for they are supporting the amending of the constitution so as to allow for a third presidential term”, he deplores.
The two associations ask the Burundi Government to start an open and sincere dialogue between different political partners, civil societies, local mediators and media in order to resolve the issues that can disturb peace and development in the country, especially during election period.