Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bujumbura (Fides Service)- “More than alarm the President’s words gave rise to perplexity in public opinion and the international community” say local Church sources after President Pierre Nkurunziza denounced the existence of a plot to destabilise state institutions. Addressing regional high ranking military and police officers during a visit to Mwakiro north east Burundi, the head of state said three politicians and three officers, two army officers and one police officer - had been holding secret meetings to plan how to destabilise Burundi’s institutions. He also said that for the moment he would not reveal the identity of the suspected coup leaders because he wanted to try to “bring them to their senses”.
“The situation is tranquil, there is no movement of troops or road-blocks” the sources say. “Local opinions differ: some say the alarm is real and that a real plot was thwarted. Others instead think the President wants to win the loyalty of the army and the police force and as proof of their version they highlight two facts. First of all the head of state denounced the plot in front of high ranking army members during his visit to the 14th military region. Secondly, the day before sounding the alarm, the President went to play football in a place where security was not particularly good, apparently little concerned for his safety. It could be that from the information he had the president was convinced that the plot was still at the stage of preparation”.
Hutu President Nkurunziza, Hutu rose to power in 2005 after a series of elections won by his party, the political wing of the former rebel movement Forces for the Defence of Democracy. The former rebels joined the transition government in February last year, a new Constitution was approved by referendum and in the successive months elections to renew parliament and local administrations were held and won by the Hutu parties.
Because of civil was (1993-2003) numerous Burundians had to abandon their homes. It is estimated that 300,000 sought safety abroad and about 140,000 are internally displaced. While in some parts of the country peace is gradually returning efforts must be made by the international community to help displaced and refugee Burundians return to their villages. Burundi also gives shelter to about 60,000 Congolese refugees. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 8/3/2006 righe 35 parole 430)
