Today, the ICJ declared that tension is back in Burundi, particularly in the capital city of Bujumbura. According to reliable sources, since 3 January, certain areas of the city have proclaimed civil disobedience.
The ICJ has also been informed that the negotiations aimed at resolving the crisis that emerged after the election of a new President of the National Assembly have finally come to nothing.
Likewise, it has been reported that there is the possibility of war in the region of Bujumbura. Other sources allege that rebel elements prepare an imminent attack from neighbouring countries.
Several months ago, the international community voiced its satisfaction after the signing by Burundian political entities of the Convention on Government. This Convention seemed to place Burundi back on the path of consensus and to confirm the settlement that had brought an end to the political crisis which had paralysed all State institutions. But alas, once again, the country appears to be heading for another crisis.
1. In the light of such grave developments the ICJ called on the international community to assist in all possible ways the political actors in Burundi in finding a peaceful solution to their differences.
2. The ICJ called on the present President and the Secretary-General of the OAU to urgently take appropriate measures to defuse the crisis in Burundi.
3. The ICJ called for African solidarity amongst the Heads of State of the sub-region in order to step up their involvement in finding a peaceful resolution to the crisis in Burundi. The ICJ urged them to discourage, through all possible means, the recourse to force from their respective territories.
4. Finally, the ICJ called upon the people of Burundi urging them to adhere to consensus and collectively find a peaceful settlement to the present crisis.
Mr. Adama Dieng, Secretary-General of the ICJ, stated: ”The entire world is still mourning the tragic events which have devastated Rwanda and it is not ready to accept that history should repeat itself in Burundi.”
It is, therefore, necessary to act before it is too late.