5 June 2011
Nairobi — The simmering political tension in Burundi could get out of hand if the East African Community does not act fast.
Burundi’s hard-line opposition coalition the Democratic Alliance for Change, has demanded immediate roundtable talks with the government of Pierre Nkurunzinza or else they will initiate armed uprising, chaos and anarchy.
The EAC was very instrumental in last year’s peaceful elections in Burundi and it is in the interest of the region to nurture democracy, peace and security in the country.
Leonce Ngendakumana, the leader of the ADC coalition and the FRODEBU party, is emphatic that the government must initiate talks with the opposition, and that those who went into exile after the last elections must be allowed to return home. The opposition is also demanding the release of political prisoners numbering about 500.
It is in the interest of other EAC members to help the landlocked Burundi maintain stability. As it is, the signs of instability are now obvious and it would be a major blow to ongoing efforts towards regional integration if Burundi relapses to civil war and destabilises the region.
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