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Burundi: Church leaders visit to support peace and reconstruction

A delegation of church leaders wound up an ecumenical visit to Burundi last week underlining the role of church in national peace building and post-war reconstruction, reports CISA.

The delegation, comprising representatives from All Africa Conference of Churches and the World Council of Churches, was headed by former President Joachim Chissano of Mozambique. The 3-day visit, beginning January 29 was at the invitation of the National Council of Churches of Burundi.

Among those who welcomed 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.

President Chissano described the visit as an ecumenical visit to show solidarity with the people of Burundi. “Our purpose is to encourage Burundians to find solutions to problems [...] and to persist with dialogue at all levels”.

The delegation met the country’s president, vice presidents, and other senior politicians, as well as former presidents, church leaders, a UN representative, the Executive Secretary of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region, and representatives from civil society.

In a key-note speech to church leaders, President Chissano 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 on the importance of engendering a climate of rust 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 in 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 would enable the rebel FNL group 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 and not one that provokes resentment and revenge is created.

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 need for the church to engage all those in leadership in order to carry out a complementary or an advisory role in the country was realised. . The task of reconciliation can best be done by the church.

President Chissano 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 was a priority.

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."

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. He 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."

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[02/07/2008]

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