BURUNDI-POLITICS/OPPOSITION Burundi opposition leader calls for unity government to avert more conflict

Record ID: 149268

  • Title: BURUNDI-POLITICS/OPPOSITION Burundi opposition leader calls for unity government to avert more conflict
  • Date: 22nd July 2015
  • Summary: BUJUMBURA, BURUNDI (JULY 22, 2015) (REUTERS) BURUNDI OPPOSITION LEADER, AGATHON RWASA, SITTING DOWN FOR INTERVIEW (SOUNDBITE) (English) BURUNDI OPPOSITION LEADER, AGATHON RWASA, SAYING: "Some have already been waving the threat of the arms struggle against the government of Burundi and they attempted even to launch an attack one or two weeks ago, so it means that after all
  • Embargoed: 6th August 2015 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Burundi
  • Country: Burundi
  • Topics: General
  • Reuters ID: LVA5KHM4OGW4GL250GKTE4QH2N73
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text: Burundi's opposition leader, Agathon Rwasa, called on President Pierre Nkurunziza to hold talks with his rivals on Wednesday (July 22) to form a national unity government after a disputed election, saying it could help avert renewed conflict in the poor African nation.
    Rwasa, a former rebel leader like Nkurunziza in Burundi's civil war, said action was needed to prevent generals behind a foiled coup in May taking up arms in a crisis sparked by Nkurunziza's bid for a third term in office.
    "Some have already been waving the threat of the arms struggle against the government of Burundi and they attempted even to launch an attack one or two weeks ago, so it means that after all the threat of war is there but another ingredient that could lead to an escalation is when Nkurunziza and his fellows cannot accept the dialogue with their fellow citizens," said Rwasa.
    The opposition has accused Nkurunziza of violating the constitution by seeking another five-year mandate and boycotted Tuesday's (July 21) vote, all but handing him victory. The president cited a court ruling saying he could run again.
    Provisional results could be announced this week.
    One of the generals behind the May coup attempt told Reuters this month that force was the only option after dialogue and international pressure failed to stop Nkurunziza running.
    Nkurunziza's third-term bid has plunged the nation into its worst crisis since the end of a civil war in 2005, building tension in a region with a history of ethnic conflict. Western donors and Africa states had called for polls to be delayed.
    "For the sake of Burundi, the idea of a government of national unity can be accepted," Rwasa added.
    His demands from the government included preparing for early elections, which meant that any new term for Nkurunziza would be limited to six months or a year. He also said those given posts in a unity cabinet must have real influence on policy, to tackle issues such as corruption and fixing strained foreign relations.
    Long-running talks between the government and its opponents were first sponsored by the United Nations and then by Uganda. Others failed to resolve the row before the election.
    Rwasa said he wanted to enter discussions with the failed coup plotters, who have so far only threatened force.
    "War can only destroy, while dialogue can help us overcome all these troubles of ours. So I would encourage them to challenge Nkurunziza through dialogue but of course Nkurunziza must also be aware that we are all Burundians and he must not be seclusive but be open minded and accept to be challenged by his fellow Burundians and accept that dialogue for the sake of this nation," Rwasa said.
    Rwasa, a candidate who like others pulled out of the race, is widely seen as Nkurunziza's most formidable rival, boasting support in the capital, where opponents are strongest, and the countryside, where the president has his powerbase.
    The former rebel acknowledged it was "hard to believe" the government would accept a unity government along the lines he outlined, but said international pressure might help push for new elections.
    The government has in the past accused the opposition of trying secure power through talks because they feared defeat at the ballot box. Opponents say the vote was unfair, citing violence they blamed on the government and a media clamp down.
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