It is more so when Heads of State of the East African Community including Nkurunziza himself were in the country to discuss on the deteriorating situation in Burundi and if possible find the everlasting solution to the war beleaguered the country.
Briefing journalists on Wednesday in Dar es Salaam after the meeting, President Jakaya Kikwete as Chairman of the East African Community Heads of State called on Burundi’s Major General Godefroid Niyombare who masterminded the coup to refrain from continuing with his motive and instead respect the rule of law.
More than 20 people have been killed since street protests erupted in the central African state more than two weeks ago, according to estimates.The demonstrators say Nkurunziza’s bid for another five years in the office violates a two-term limit in the constitution and the Arusha peace accord , which ended an ethically fueled civil war in 2005 that killed 300,000 people.
For what ever reasons, the attempted military coup in Burundi is unwarranted.
We all know the consequences of the insecurity and violence in a country. Insecurity brings about increase in crime, number of disabled persons, orphans, widows and widowers, impoverishment of the people, and all kinds of social deviation.
There is also lack of respect for authority and the law, giving rise to anarchy, mistrust and lack of civic spirit, which lead to civil unrest and rebellion.
This ultimately brings about the spread culture of violence, leading to a general disdain for the sanctity of human life and widespread abuse of power, corruption and plundering of national resources not withstanding.
The Arusha Accord lists some of the causes of the violence and insecurity in Burundi as a colonial legacy which include first and foremost the breaking apart of the pre-colonial political and administrative equilibrium among the Baganwa, the Batutsi and the Bahutu triggered off by the implementation of the administrative reforms of the 1930s which resulted in the dismissal from their administrative positions of most of the Hutu chiefs and some of the Tutsi chiefs.
The other reason was a discriminatory system which did not offer equal educational access to all Burundian youths from all ethnic groups.
There was also the erosion of some basic traditions, cultural norms and values that had hitherto been the foundations of the unity, solidarity and cohesion of the fabric of Burundian society and of Burundians.
The colonialists also disrupted the traditional socio-political system in effect under the monarchy, which led to erosion of the bonds that provided the foundations of Burundi’s political stability.
The Arusha accord in resolved therefore that for everlasting peace in Burundi an economic and social policy that ensures the harmonious and balanced development of the people and the nation, as well as a policy of harmonious resolution of social problems, be pursued.
Also a culture of peace and tolerance shall be promoted through the development of a sense of patriotism among citizens and of mutual solidarity in the event of a threat, as well as through education and training of all political and technical officials.
We therefore give a backing for President Kikwete’s plea for the return of peace in Burundi to ensure that the provisions of the Arusha Accord are implemented to the letter for attainment of unity, reconciliation, lasting peace, security for all and solid democracy.
SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN
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