East African Community’s Legislative Assembly considering petition to eject Burundi from regional block
A delegation from Burundi said today that people who have made accusations of killings, rape and abduction in the country, quote: ‘had lost their senses’ – and insisted the country is calm. They made their appeal to the East African Community’s Legislative Assembly, which is considering a petition to eject Burundi from the regional block, over fears the country is spiraling into ethnic violence.
One by one, a line of Burundian politicians came out to defend their homeland. Their Government has been accused of allowing the country to slide towards genocide, but they say their problems have been exaggerated.
“Today the situation has improved in the country. Even the gangs in these neighbourhoods are already winding themselves up. In the entire country, apart from the areas where there have been problems, everything is working, schools are open, business is going on day and night.”Joseph Ntakirutimana, Vice President, ruling party
Hundreds have been killed in Burundi, since President Pierre Nkurunziza won a controversial third term. There are reports that the ruling party’s youth militia are killing people who oppose them. And a group of lawyers has submitted a petition, calling for Burundi to be kicked out of the regional bloc if they don’t comply. But again, Burundi’s delegates hit back.
“As far as human rights are concerned, they stated that there were killings, abductions and rape of Tutsi women, imprisonment of journalists and even blamed Burundi for the imprisonment of a journalist in the DRC. They have lost their senses.” Jean De Dieu Mutabazi, Chairperson, Radebu Party
They blamed the killings on what they called ‘the radical’ and ‘violent’ opposition. And said they refused to negotiate with people who didn’t support democracy. But a solution is needed more than ever.
“Trouble in Burundi is trouble in the East African Community. There are numerous issues. We have a number of refugees. There is going to be a proliferation of small arms all over, insecurity into our region. I believe the solution must come from the East African community.” Abdullah Mwinyi, East African Legislative Assembly
Today has given lawmakers a rare opportunity to question the Burundian Government, but all of this may be overtaken by events. The United Nations wants African countries to do more to stop the violence, and within a week the African Union will decide whether to send in troops. There is a growing number of countries who believe that the time for talking may be over.
