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AACC AND WCC
PEACE DELEGATION VISIT BURUNDI
A delegation from the All Africa
Conference of Churches and the World Council of Churches
headed by His Excellency former President Joachim Chisano of
Mozambique arrived in Burundi on 29th January 2008 for a 3-day
visit at the invitation of the National Council of Churches of
Burundi.
| Among those welcoming the
delegation on their arrival at the airport were the
first Vice-President of Burundi, Dr. Yves Sahinguvu, and
the Anglican Archbishop of Burundi and President of the
National Council of Churches of Burundi, the Most Rev.
Bernard Ntahoturi, along with other representatives from
the National Council of Churches of Burundi. |
Press Conference on arrival at Bujumbura International
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President Chisano described the visit as
an ecumenical visit to show solidarity with the people of
Burundi. The delegation was bringing a message of love, peace,
national unity, and fraternity. He said, "Our purpose is
to encourage Burundians to find solutions to problems …and
to persist with dialogue at all levels."
The delegation met the President, Vice
Presidents, and other senior politicians, as well as former
Presidents, Church leaders, a UN representative (BINUB), the
Executive Secretary of the International Conference on the
Great Lakes Region, and representatives from civil society
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Meeting of Church Leaders
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In a key-note speech to
Church leaders President Chisano referred to the
contribution of Mozambique to peace in Burundi and the
work of advocacy undertaken through the initiatives of
the Forum of Former Heads of State of Africa. He spoke
about the importance of engendering a climate of trust
that should be part of the role of the Church. He
challenged the Church to apply its moral authority, to
help build consensus, to engage with strengthening
Burundi's institutions in order to analyse where reform
is needed, and to encourage the Government of Burundi to
create an atmosphere of confidence that will enable the
FNL to return. Civic education was emphasized for
creating a basis for the success of democracy that would
ensure that citizens understood democratic processes and
interpreted correctly the laws and norms of society. The
Church was called upon to be vigilant when the
Commission for Truth and Reconciliation begins its work
so that a positive climate is created and not one that
provokes resentment and revenge. |
The need and importance of dialogue and
a national consensus were stressed. It was agreed by the
former Presidents of Burundi that there has been, and still
is, a deficit of dialogue at all levels.
It was acknowledged that the challenges
are great. The Church is called upon to demonstrate faith,
unity and hope, and courage to speak and act for the
"voiceless". The Church needs to engage with all
those in leadership so that it can fulfil a complementary or
an advisory role in the country. The task of reconciliation
can best be done by the Church.
Reference was made to the fact that,
even though there have been improvements in the situation in
Burundi, support and solidarity with others is still important
especially when tackling issues that still remain to be
addressed such as the climate of fear, crime and corruption,
insecurity, reintegration of former combatants, return and
resettlement of refugees, human rights, poverty, disarmament,
and a conclusion to negotiations between the Government and
the FNL rebel movement. A proper answer to these issues would
contribute immensely to the consolidation of peace in Burundi.
President Chisano emphasised that all
"stakeholders" need to be inspired to find
solutions, to eliminate fear, and to educate civil society.
Reconstruction of basic structures within the country needs to
take place.
He called upon Burundians to resist
temptations of all kinds that would return them to war. He
then called on the FNL to return home and seek peace.
"Guns" he said, "do not solve problems, they
destroy."
A request was made to the WCC and the
Forum of Former Heads of State of Africa to help the Church to
be empowered for the work of reconciliation, to assist with
the organisation of forums for dialogue and programmes for
capacity building, to strengthen the fight against all forms
of violence, and facilitate disarmament. Coordinated
cooperation between the Churches and the organizations of
civil society also needs to be strengthened for the benefit of
all the people of Burundi.
| The delegation gave
assurance that the Churches of Burundi would receive
support from the world church and the various church
councils of Africa, as well as by the Eminent Persons
Programme and the Forum of Former Heads of State of
Africa. His Excellency stated, "The churches from
outside are willing to support you in the search for
peace. We will be your advocates in the world but please
help us to help you." |
President Chisano and Most Revd
Bernard Ntahoturi conclude the visit
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In his concluding remarks, the Most Rev.
Bernard Ntahoturi thanked His Excellency former President
Joachim Chisano for his commitment to Burundi and commended
the ecumenical nature of the visit. He said, "Our mission
is shared and now we have a common vision. I think the visit
has been a blessing."
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