Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bujumbura (Agenzia Fides) – The situation in Bujumbura seems to be calm after yesterday’s fighting in several districts of the capital of Burundi (see Fides 18/11/2015). This is reported by local sources to Agenzia Fides expressing the hope of a negotiating turning point. "For the first time China, along with Kenya and Angola, also spoke of the need for an inclusive dialogue, including all stakeholders in the Burundian crisis, including the armed opposition that had so far been excluded from the dialogue initiated by President Pierre Nkurunziza", say our sources. "This is combined with the fact that one of the opponents that had joined the government of Nkurunziza, Aghaton Rwasa, expressed his concern over the killings and violence that shake the Country".
"Nevertheless, there are doubts about the success of a real inclusive dialogue", continue Fides sources that point out how the ruling party, the Conseil National pour la Défense de la Démocratie-Forces de Défense de la Démocratie (CNDD-FDD) announced "the week of the combatant". "These celebrations are likely to fuel hatred because only former guerrillas of the CNDD-FDD are celebrated who as opponents also seized power in the 2005 elections, after having joined in 2003, the peace agreements signed by other parties in 2000 in Arusha, Tanzania".
The Catholic Church has announced a Novena for peace and reconciliation in Burundi. "We want to ask Mary's intercession for peace in the Country, but we also want to create awareness on the respect for human dignity and justice" concludes the source. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 19/11/2015)
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