� fails to reach common position
Instead, the regional body has expressed concern on people seeking refuge in neighboring countries due to fear of election-related violence.
“The Secretary General notes with concern that some people of Burundi are seeking refuge in neighbouring countries due to fear of election-related violence,” an information directorate statement affirmed.
It said EAC Secretary General Ambassador Dr Richard Sezibera commends Partner States that receive them and urges the international community to offer support. Dr Sezibera commended the government of Burundi on the preparations undertaken so far towards the series of polls within the spate of general elections to be held in May, June and July 2015.
“The Community wishes the people of Burundi free, fair and peaceful elections and calls upon all friends of Burundi to offer their support to the success of the electoral process,” the statement read in part.
The Secretary General said Burundi has made substantial progress in establishing and maintaining peace and stability in the last decade and the forthcoming elections provide an opportunity to consolidate and enhance the country’s social and economic development.
He further recalled that on March 09, 2015 all political actors signed a code of good conduct in which they committed to refrain from pursuing violence in the electoral process.
The EAC noted that the attainment of peace and stability in Burundi amounts to peace and stability in the entire region and urges all regional and international stakeholders to actively engage in the attainment of these objectives.
He further urged the government of Burundi and all actors to ensure that the electoral process does not lead to a humanitarian crisis.
The Secretary General called upon the government of Burundi to continue with the dialogue process that brings together all key actors and stakeholders in Burundi with a view to deliberate on all key issues of potential impact to the realisation of a peaceful, free and fair electoral process.
“The Community reiterates its continued commitment in supporting the people of Burundi in the attainment of free and fair elections and promoting dialogue among all parties involved when called upon,” the statement underlined.
EAC’s diplomatic statement comes at a time when international pressure is rising on President Nkurunziza, asking him to step down to save the country from looming dangers.
At the end of last month Tanzania warned of the risk of renewed violence in Burundi if politicians do not abide by a new constitution that would prevent the president there running for another term.
Under the Burundian constitution and the terms of a peace deal to end more than a decade of civil war, no leader is supposed to hold power for longer than 10 years.
But supporters of President Nkurunziza, who has been in power in Burundi since 2005, argue that his first term should not count since he was picked by lawmakers rather than voted in.
President Jakaya Kikwete said late last month that if people decide to violate the constitution and the Arusha peace agreement, there is a risk of a new wave of violence that will be hard to stop.
The president’s remarks came at the end of a two-day visit to Bujumbura where he discussed the political situation in the country and risks facing neighbouring countries with his Burundian counterpart.
Tanzania brokered the deal in 2000 to end fighting between the radical and moderate Hutu and Tutsi armed political groups, producing the Arusha peace agreement that formed the framework for the political process in the country, which didn’t properly settle until five years later with further mediation efforts in the African Union context.
The deal helped to reduce disparities in political demands during years of ethnic conflict, with interminable differences persisting between moderate factions led by President Nkurunziza and more radical Hutu armed factions behind the now exiled and wanted, Agathon Rwassa.
SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN
No comments :
Post a Comment