Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bujumbura (Agenzia Fides) - "The Burundian opposition does not have confidence in the mediator chosen by the East African Community, the President of Uganda, Yoweri Museveni, to try to unravel the political crisis in our Country. How can we believe in him, say the opponents, since he is not a democratic man, being President of Uganda for nearly 30 years without a break and has put his opponents in jail?" say local sources from Bujumbura to Agenzia Fides.
Museveni went to the capital of Burundi, on July 15, where he proposed the creation of a national unity government as a solution to bring the country out of the crisis caused by the decision of outgoing President Pierre Nkurunziza to stand for a third term in the upcoming elections, in violation of the Constitution.
"Museveni was among the promoters of the Arusha Accords, but in the eyes of the opposition he does not seem to be defending them very much" say our sources. The Arusha Accords that ended the civil war in Burundi, inter alia, provide only two consecutive presidential terms, a rule which was then included in the Constitution.
"Museveni met with representatives of the political opposition, civil society and religious representatives, except those of the Catholic Church. The Vicar General of Bujumbura had been invited at the last moment, but he responded that he could not attend the meeting without a formal invitation and a clear mandate by the Episcopal Conference", the sources said.
The Bishops, as is known, have taken a very clear position in defense of respect for the rule of two terms (see Fides 07/03/2015).
"We are in a dangerous stalemate, because now several groups of rebels have been formed. The same Museveni heard shots during the visit to Bujumbura. It is also true that the news released by the government on the arrest of hundreds of suspected insurgents in arms appear exaggerated. But with most of the independent radio closed the only station still in operation is the national radio in the hands of the government and is therefore difficult to form a clear opinion of what is happening, especially in the provinces", conclude Fides sources. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 16/07/2015)
