BURUNDI: AMECEA Joins SECAM in a Solidarity Visit to Burundi

The Chairman of AMECEA Justice Peace and Caritas, Rt. Rev. Joseph Anthony Zziwa, joined the Bishops of Southern Africa Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) under the umbrella of Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), on a solidarity visit to Burundi which took place on 9^th -12^th June, 2016.

The delegation was led by Rt. Rev. Sithembele Anton Sipuka of Umtata Diocese, South Africa, who is a member of the standing committee of SECAM. Others in the delegation included, Most Rev. Stephen Brislin Archbishop of Cape Town and also the Chairman of the SACBC; Rt. Rev Abel Gabuza of Kimberley Diocese and also Chairman of Justice and Peace in SACBC. In the visit the delegation was accompanied by Very Rev. Fr. Joseph Komakoma the Secretary General of SECAM, Very Rev. Fr. Ferdinand Lugonzo the Secretary General of AMECEA and Mr. Antony Mbandi, the Justice Peace and Caritas Coordinator of AMECEA.

The solidarity visit which was planned between SECAM, AMECEA and SACBC came in the wake of another visit concluded by World Council of Churches that was attended by the Chairman of AMECEA, His Eminence Berhaneyesus Cardinal Souraphiel Metropolitan Archbishop of Addis Ababa together with Rt. Rev. Paride Taban, Bishop Emeritus Torit, South Sudan.

Burundi has been in a state of violent conflict since April 2015. The violence was triggered by the presentation of the incumbent President as a candidate for the ruling party. According to the opposition, this was a violation of the Arusha Accord. The result was demonstrations in and around Bujumbura for about two weeks continuously. Eventually a coup was attempted on 13^th May 2015, which triggered a different kind of violence with groups from both sides starting to arm themselves. Since then, thousands have fled Burundi while hundreds have either been arrested or gone missing. There have also been repeated revenge killings between those of the ruling party and those who are in opposition.

The first day of the visit was spent with the Bishops of the Burundi conference where issues around the conflict and the response to the conflict were discussed. The Bishops of Burundi narrated the difficult nature of operations in the country brought about the instability. Shockingly, the delegation was informed of two priests who have had to flee the country due to threats as well as one of the secretariat staff.

The Bishops were also informed of three brother Bishops whose lives have been threatened. The situation does not get any better with the number of refugees not receiving any pastoral assistance increasing in the neighboring countries. The Bishops were also given a clearer picture of the difficult nature of trying to foster dialogue with the opposing sides taking extreme positions. The wanton killing from both sides was also raised with reports reaching the Bishops’ conference of at least twenty people being killed on a daily basis.

The second day was a day of listening to the political establishment with first a meeting held with the First Vice President of Burundi, His Excellency Hon. Gaston Sindimwo and then with members of the opposition. The delegation presented its message to the Head of State and the government of Burundi after which a candid discussion took place with the delegation members.

The take home from the engagement with the First Vice President is that the violence in Burundi is hurting the entire country. It is not only the citizenry but also the ruling class that are affected. He decried the moral decay in the country while giving the example of two young men (below 18 years) who had killed police officers in one of the regions. This he said was a sign that the country is headed to extremism, which has to be stemmed.

He asked the Catholic Church to work with Burundi both internally and externally to bring about the sense of morals and the sanctity of life. He further indicated his willingness to be able to walk with the Church to bring dignity to those Burundians living in the refugee camps and seek quick ways to establish a conducive environment for them to be able to return home peacefully. On the Arusha Accord, the Vice President reiterated the sentiments of the Bishops that it has brought about peace in Burundi and that the spirit of the Accord should be carried forward even while trying to create a space for dialogue. He however cautioned that looking at the Arusha Accord without the constitution would be a folly.

Deep-set mistrust between the ruling class in Burundi was also cited as one of the main issues fueling the conflict. Both the Bishops and the First Vice President raised the red flag on the Arusha Accord having been ignored from the very word go and also the Accord having been made with personal interests in heart.

The delegation was later presented with a set of issues concerning the on-goings in Burundi and also the governance issues that in their opinion have been mishandled by the ruling party. These issues were presented by members of the opposition with a view of giving their opinion to the current stalemate. From the discussions with the opposition, it was clear that they are willing to have dialogue and are not entirely convinced that the on-going internal discussions are geared at bringing unity.

On the contrast the opposition believes that the internal dialogue led by the ruling party and the government is geared at changing the constitution on the presidential term limits. The solidarity visit ended befittingly with a mass celebrating the martyrs of Uganda, co-celebrated by the all the Bishops of Burundi and Archbishop Stephen, Bishop Zziwa, Bishop Sipuka and Bishop Abel.

What was my take home?

We in AMECEA region should continue encouraging and lobbying with the governments in the region in solidarity with the Bishops in Burundi and the Bishops of Africa on ending violent conflict especially during the transition periods of rule.

It is imperative that the dialogue initiatives including the ongoing Arusha discussions on Burundi be all inclusive so that the people of Burundi can own the end results. This stands true for all the dialogue and peace initiatives around the region (including the South Sudan, Sudan, Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia and Somala) and the rest of the African continent that are seeking to resolve disputes. Dialogue is and will remain the strong option for the Catholic Church.

We should work together with Governments and regional bodies handling issues to provide hope for the many refugees in the region and Africa through ensuring dignity for them while in the camps and also creating a conducive environment that allows them to return to their homes.

Media is a vital part of ensuring violent conflict ends in the region and Africa. Without responsible and independent media, the citizenry are denied the opportunity to participate in governing themselves. The governments have to provide a space for media to operate in a free environment. It is also extremely vital that the media remains objective so as not to fuel hostilities. It is time the power of media is not only used for the good in the region and Africa, but should also be seen to do good. The messages of hope from media need to grow and we as the Catholic Church should not tire reminding the media of their moral and ethical obligations in reporting.

Our leaders in the African continent and especially those in the legislative arm of government need to take up their roles of creating laws that foster peace and unity in their countries. Ambiguous laws that are not explicit on the running of government affairs and give room for numerous referenda mutilating the laws create an environment of trust.

By Antony Mbandi, Coordinator AMECEA Justice Peace and Caritas Department

The following are the statements that were delivered during the Solidarity Visit.

STATEMENT OF VISITING DELEGATION OF CATHOLIC BISHOPS FROM AFRICA DURING THE COURTESY CALL TO THE HEAD OF STATE, PRESIDENT PIERRE NKURUNZIZA

Your Excellency

We would like to first thank you and our Brother Bishops in Burundi for making this meeting possible. We are here as a delegation of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), an organization that unites all Catholic Bishops in Africa. We are here together with the Bishops’ Conference of Burundi, which also forms part of SECAM.

Our delegation is made up of representatives from SECAM here represented by myself, Bishop Sithembele Anton Sipuka, as a member of the Standing Committee and the SECAM Secretary General Very Rev. Fr. Joseph Komakoma.

We also have with us a team from the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA), led by the Chairman of the AMECEA Justice Peace and Caritas Department, Bishop Joseph Anthony Zziwa, who is accompanied by the Secretary General of AMECEA, Very Rev. Fr. Ferdinand Lugonzo, and the Justice Peace and Caritas Coordinator Mr. Antony Mbandi.

We also have with us the representatives of the Southern Africa Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) led by the Chairman of the bishops’ conference, Archbishop Stephen Brislin, accompanied by Bishop Abel Gabuza, who is the Chairman for Justice and Peace Commission in SACBC.

Your Excellency, our primary objective in visiting Burundi is twofold. Firstly, to engage in a dialogue of solidarity with the Catholic Community in Burundi, through the Conference of Catholic Bishops in Burundi, and secondly, in the spirit of St. Paul, we are here as Ambassadors of Christ bringing the message of hope and reconciliation to the people of Burundi (2 Corinthians 5:20).

Ours is a short stay and we will not be able to understand all that is happening in Burundi and neither do we purport to provide solutions. We have been listening and we will continue to listen. From what we have heard and seen we would like to make the following observations

First and foremost, we commend the ongoing dialogue and reconciliation initiatives that are geared towards ending hostilities in the country. We as church favor strong inclusive dialogue as the only means to long lasting peace. There are many examples we can cite but the most common one is a breakdown of communication in a household. If not well handled, the end result is a broken family. And we all know the pain and suffering that comes with a broken home especially on the children. This is not what we wish for Burundi.

Your Excellency, the second issue that we wish to propose is the need to invest in the people especially the youth. They are the future. What we have heard and seen through the media is appalling. The youth of Burundi, who have grown up in relative peace since the year 2003, are going down a path that is difficult to turn away from. This is a path of violence. It is in the best interests of this country and also the African continent to seek ways of ensuring that the energy of young people is channeled for common good. This can only be achieved if the youth are gainfully engaged.

Lastly your Excellency, the Arusha Accord, which was done by Burundians, for Burundians, under the watchful eye of one of the beacons of peace in Africa H.E the late Nelson Mandela, has proven vital in keeping violence away from Burundi for more than 10 years.

“Peace, stability, justice, the rule of law, national reconciliation, unity and development were the major aspirations of the people of Burundi”. We would want to believe that these aspirations have not changed. We pray that Burundi as a people remain committed to the spirit of the Arusha Accord.

We will continue praying together with our brother Bishops in Burundi that there may be unity in this country as Jesus prayed for his disciples to be one (John 17:21). Since there is only one Burundi, all Burundians must make every effort to preserve this unity for peace and prosperity in this country.

Political leadership is key in this process, but in respect to the mission of the Church the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Burundi are a key partner in this process.

Thank you and May God bless you and the people of Burundi.

Rt. Rev. Sithembele Anton Sipuka

Bishop of Umtata

Head of SECAM Delegation

11th June 2016                        Bujumbura, Burundi

______________________________________________________________________

SECAM MESSAGE AT THE END OF SOLIDARITY VISIT TO THE CATHOLIC BISHOPS’ CONFERENCE OF BURUNDI

“Do two walk together, unless they have agreed to meet?” Amos 3:3

Our Dear Brothers and Sisters of Burundi,

Peace of Christ be upon you

In recognition of our common call to serve God and our neighbor, we, the leaders of the Catholic Church from different corners of Africa, have come to express our solidarity with you in these trying times. We are alive to the fact that solutions to the prevailing challenges can be found among the people of Burundi, in line with the principle of subsidiarity. It is not our mission to dictate to you on a way forward but we are here to listen, to see for ourselves and to feel what you have been going through. Regrettably, once again within the African continent, a current political situation has resulted in the loss of human life, injury and disruption of day-to-day life. To those who have lost their loved ones, you are in our prayers and thoughts. We appreciate that an injury to one, is an injury to all. We are connected as Christians and Africans. Whatever destabilizes Burundi, makes the region not to be at peace, it makes Africa not to be at peace. In light of what we have richly gained here in the last two (2) days, we would wish to state the following:

1. First we begin by expressing our gratitude to the Catholic Bishops Conference of Burundi for availing this opportunity to host us during their meeting. In our observation, Burundi is a beautiful country with people whose hearts yearn for peace, political, social and economic stability. It is out of this realization that we would like to express our communion during the times of your sadness and joy.

2. We appreciate and give our gratitude to the Government of Burundi for facilitating our entry process to the country. This has given us an opportunity to dialogue with the Bishops and the people of Burundi and heard for ourselves on the greater need to forge forward with the peace process, and the importance of collaboration to maintain sustainable peace. Peace will surely benefit everyone in the country and the African continent at large.

3. We are aware of the pain of Burundi. The experiences in this country of political instability. The pain we feel is further deepened by the loss of life and properties and the sufferings that the people of Burundi have undergone, and are still going through. We do recognize the efforts of the many of Burundians who are for peace. We believe that the people (both clergy and persons of goodwill) who have come here before us, the efforts of the African Union (AU), the discussions going on in Arusha under the umbrella of East African Community (EAC) and most importantly the grace of God, have stemmed a potentially more violent scenario. It is our sincere and honest appreciation to the Pastors and the people of Burundi for choosing the non-violent approach. We pray that God’s grace continues guiding the discussions for peace in Burundi.

4. The church in Africa is proud of the richness of its legacy to win the temptation of succumbing into partisan politics, and the commitment for non-violence actions regardless of success or failure. The success of experiencing the calm within the country and communities does not mean peace has come; on the contrary there is a need that after a conflict or instability, people need to be healed and reconciled. For this the effort has to be exerted from within, but in solidarity of prayer from your brothers and sisters in the continent for sustainable peace.

5. To strengthening the progress of peace-building in the country, we feel that we need to do more and stand on your side, while echoing the encouraging words of the Holy Father, Pope Francis, “Do not be Afraid”, during his visit to the continent. To sustain the process of peace and return the peace that the people of Burundi have cherished before the unfolding of the incident a year ago, we appeal to the Government of Burundi with your support to:
6. Recognize that people make up the political community and should also practice the sense of belonging to the very notion of the making of that institute, which is for respect and preservation of the common good,
7. Bring on board all the parties involved. The common good is guaranteed when, persons participate in the concerns of the nation.
8. Think about the indignity of persons living in refugee camps. We urge you to find ways to bring back all those who are in refugee camps to their home so that they can be dignified.

Our appeal to you together with the leaders of Burundi, is to ensure inclusive participation of citizens in the peace process and address all grievances peacefully in a way that maintains stability.

To the Pastors/Bishops of Burundi, we say unto you:

1. African experiences show that conflict resolutions and peace-building by participating communities from all walks of life and creed, and turning civil society into the protagonists of the processes results in good yield. Thus, we encourage that in peace process, all Christians bear the responsibility to move that first steps. Only a true commitment involving all the church can make this path growing.
2. Remember that God gives the human kind the task to move the first step; He then decides where to allow the final steps. That God expresses a strong and explicit preferential option for non-violence, emphasizing reconciliation as a tool to resolve conflicts between nations and people. We appeal therefore, to the people of Burundi, to engage and participate fully in peace process, by showing a genuine collaboration with your leaders and pastors.
3. We encourage the peace processes that have commenced under the East African Community (EAC) and the other initiatives under the AU Commissions. We appeal to the leadership of these two processes (EAC and AU) to continue supporting dialogue to bring about reconciliation to the people of Burundi, to allow them to engage in development initiatives to foster the progress of the nation. We will walk with you as this dialogue continues to take place.

6. We also take this moment to condemn those negative external influences that have not only been interfering with Burundi but also with other countries in the region and in Africa. We say NO to the ongoing arms trade that is being utilized to cause violence in African countries. We seek the intervention of the African Union, the European Union and the United Nations; in putting more pressure and measures to curb proliferation of small arms in countries experiencing heightened political differences. And to our African Brothers and Sisters, let us silence the war cries, let us stop the tears of our mothers, let is stop the bleeding of our continent.

7. In conclusion, as we have prayed together. We ask this wonderful nation to continue praying together for God’s continued providence and most importantly for peace. We urge all the people of Burundi to remember that within you and in you exist the solutions to the problems in this country. We assure you that what we have learnt here is not going to end here. We will carry it forward in solidarity with our Brother Bishops until all the people of Burundi live as one in peace.

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” Galatians 3:28

Thank you and God bless

 Rt. Rev. Sithembele Anton Sipuka

Bishop of Umtata

Head of SECAM Delegation

Date: 12^th June 2016               Bujumbura, Burundi

 ____________________________________________________________________

A WORD OF THANKS TO THE DELEGATION OF THE SYMPOSIUM OF EPISCOPAL CONFERENCES OF AFRICA AND MADAGASCAR

Your Excellencies! Archbishop and Bishops, Dear Priests and Dear representative of the Laity who have been sent by the SECAM, AMECEA and SACBC,

1. First of all, in communion with my brothers Bishops of our Catholic Episcopal Conference, I would like to thank God the Giver of life. During all this years of socio-political turmoil, God has shown us that he has not forsaken us. He has kept sending us his messengers to strengthen us in hope. We all remember how His Holliness Pope Francis sent us from Rome a heartfull message as soon as He heard that a new crisis had erupted in Burundi, calling the people of Burundi to engage in an inclusive dialogue in order to settle all pending problems without indulging into violence. When He was visiting Uganda a few months ago, He reminded us the same need, inviting all christian faithfull around the world to continue praying for Burundi so that we avoid any catastrophy. We really thank God for this messenger whose heart remains close to Burundi as a caring father.

2. We also thank God for the delegates representing various religious denominations who have been visiting Burundi in these last months, bringing a message of peace. Some are from our Catholic Church, others are from our extended christian family and others from other religious denominations believing in God. We all know that one appreciates authentic friendship when one sees somebody caring for him/her during times of trial. We experienced the love of God in those visitors who kept giving us encouragement. Blessed be God.

3. Today we are experiencing the same loving care. It is the whole African Catholic Church present with us here. As you have been told, these bishops, priests and laity represent the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), an organization that unites all Catholic Bishops in Africa, including Burundi. They came to us as African neighbours usually do. Even more, they are here because we share the same faith in Jesus Christ as brothers. We are very thankful for keeping us in this brotherhood.

4. Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, I would like to tell you that at the end of their visit, God must have a message he wants us to treasure, a message of hope. Besides the fact that all of our visitors are friends and neighbors, we have three of them coming from the Republic of South Africa, the country of one of the beacons of peace in Africa all Burundians know, the Late H.E. Nelson Mandela. He is the one who helped us reach the Arusha Peace and Reconciliation Agreement, which made it possible for Burundi to recover, bringing back unity and in keeping violence away from Burundi for more than 10 years. Is this not a symbolic sign today that God wants us not to stray away from the spirit of the Arusha Peace and Reconciliation Agreement? We also have in the delegation the Vice-President of the Ugandan Bishops Conference, coming from the country of the facilitator in the Burundi crisis, H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. As you are aware H.E. President Museveni has once again, been mandated by the East African Heads of State to facilitate the dialogue in Burundi in order to keep alive the spirit of the Arusha Peace Agreement. Is this not another symbolic sign that God wants us to understand that there is no other good way to build true peace, true reconciliation and integral development besides dialogue and forgiveness for the wounds people have had to suffer?

5. Dear brothers and sisters with whom we share our faith and hope, you may keep wondering why these visitors came precisely during this period. You have heard them explaining the aim of their visit. They came as neighbours and brothers to express their solidarity and give us encouragement. We have spent these days together sharing our brotherhood. Our visitors have also been able to get in touch with various sides of the Burundi conflict. They have had the opportunity to see by themselves the effects of violence in our country. There are things we cannot hide to the eyes of visitors. For examples, they put to us this question: “Why is it that some of the vehicles that came to meet us at the airport had policemen insisde? Did they come to welcome us or they are your usual bodyguards?” We were embarassed because there are things you cannot hide.

6. After listening to representatives of all sides of the Burundi conflict and seeing some effects of the conflict, the delegates of the African Bishops Conferences congratulated our people saying that with all that has happened, we have been able to stand united and avoid ethnic divisions that plagued the country for decades. They encouraged us reminding us that we owe this to the Arusha Peace and Reconciliation Agreement. We should then stick to the spirit behind that agreement, make a good and wise evaluation of it, make a good follow up so that this process helps the county make another good step forward. We Bishops from Burundi welcomed that advice with thanks. The visiting delegation made us understand that the African Catholic Bishops Conferences will continue helping us to implement programs related to peace building in our country. We wanted to share with you some of the content of our conversation with them because in visiting with us, they had you in mind. We are sharing this so that you can join with us in thanking them for their visit.

7. Dear Delagates of the African Catholic Bishops Conferences, the Catholic Bishops Conference of Burundi is very thankfull. We also assure you that our christian communities are very thankful. As you depart from Burundi this afternoon, we wish you a nice trip back home. May God continue blessing your ministry. May he make this visit very fruitful. May God be blessed. May God bless you

Bujumbura, June 12th 2016

+ Gervais Banshimiyubusa

Bishop of Ngozi Diocese

President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Burundi.

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