Politicians diverge on 5th round dialogue outcomes

The world celebrates every October 18 the Conflict Resolution Day. This year, the day comes when Burundians are preparing themselves to participate in the 5th round of inter-Burundi dialogue initiated by the East African Community to try to resolve the political crisis erupted in April 2015 when President Pierre Nkurunziza officially announced his candidacy for the presidential elections. Political opponents and some leaders of civil society organizations have accused the president of violating the Burundian Constitution and the Arusha Peace and Reconciliation Agreement, which does not allow the president to run for a third term.

Leonce Ngendakumana “We cannot hope for a solution to the Burundian crisis through the ongoing dialogue process,”

Léonce Ngendakumana, deputy chairman of the opposition party FRODEBU regrets that Burundi government violated the Arusha Peace and Reconciliation Agreement that ended the civil war of 1993. “The violation of this agreement is the crux of the crisis that Burundi has been experiencing since 2015,” says Ngendakumana. He is pessimistic about the outcome of the upcoming dialogue round. He accused the facilitation in the Burundian conflict of supporting Burundi government for political and economic interests. “We cannot hope for a solution to the Burundian crisis through the ongoing dialogue process,” says Ngendakumana. He calls on the Burundian authorities to seek the interest of the Burundian people who are suffering from poverty because of the political and security situation prevailing in Burundi. “They should engage in a constructive dialogue that will allow Burundians to achieve reconciliation.”

Abel Gashatsi, chairman of UPRONA party, the wing recognized by the government hopes that the ongoing dialogue of Arusha will find a solution to the Burundian crisis. He calls on Burundian politicians who will participate in the upcoming 5th dialogue session to commit themselves to seeking peace and stability in Burundi. “I hope that the next round of dialogue will produce a positive outcome.”