Spare us the bloodshed

So here's what's happening in Burundi. President Pierre Nkurunziza is seeking a 3rd term in an upcoming election, but a significant population in his country do not agree; so they've opted to protest. Bujumbura, the disorganized city on the shores of lake Tanganyika is now a war zone and could get worse. A brief history would tell you where the situation is heading. Nkurunziza, a University lecturer, son of a Tutsi mother and a Hutu father, escaped death in 1995 when Tutsi-dominated army attacked and killed 200. His father had been killed in 1972 in a different civil war. His 5 siblings were all killed in war.

After the escape he joined the National Council for the Defense of Democracy-Forces for the Defense of Democracy (CNDD-FDD) rose over the ranks and was appointed president in 2005 unanimously by parliament following a peace agreement signed in Arusha. He managed to bring on board the FNL, a Hutu rebel group to the peace table and formed an inclusive government (both Hutu, Tutsi, all gender). Then, many countrymen saw him as a unity leader given his multi-ethnic origin.

Over the years, Burundi's population has grown (10.2 million in 2013) with >50% aged 15-24 years. Now, given harsh economic times, thanks to conflict and politics, a youth wing of the ruling party was formed in 2010 (Nkurunziza's 2nd term), the Imbonerakure (the Kirundi word for “those that see far”). They conduct surveillance and intimidation on behalf of the state; unfortunately they've mutated to conduct acts like sexual harassment, extortion and theft. They are also Hutu-dominated. In the current political unrest, as recently as yesterday, they posted leaflets threatening to kill Tutsi's and have joined police (wearing full police gear with guns) shooting at protesters. Obviously they are protected by the state. Although Burundi's constitution allows for only 2 presidential terms, the Constitutional court of Burundi ruled in favor of Nkurunziza, arguing that his 1st term was a direct appointment by parliament and did not count as a constitutional term in office.

Unfortunately and far too often, political conflicts in Africa always degenerate into ethnic conflicts. Let's hope this is not another genocide in the making. AU as usual is silent until ICC comes knocking. This president has won many awards for his peace efforts over the years. Burundians hope he will act as the uniting factor he has always been and will be sensible enough to see the suffering of his people. He of all people knows the cost of war, having lost almost his entire family to fighting. Nkurunziza must act now and unite his people. Arusha 2005 agreement was too costly to throw to the dogs. Dialogue is the key!

Phillip- Peace and Conflict researcher