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Burundi: Pursuit of Wealth Affecting Peace
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East African Business Week (Kampala)
ANALYSIS
15 October 2007
Posted to the web 15 October 2007
Bobi Odiko
Trouble is reportedly brewing in Burundi, EAC's newest "kid on the bloc" following recent developments of two worrying but related scenarios:- both of which analysts describe as a trend needing dire attention by the EAC region.
First, the peace talks process went asunder, with the rebel led Burundi's front for national liberation otherwise known as FNL -Palipehutu walking out of the talks with the Burundi government authorities in Dar es Salaam.
The group have not only sounded their intention to forestall the negotiation process but now seem to be reluctant towards recognizing South Africa who have long mediated the talks as referee, accusing Mbeki's government of bias in the discussions.
As if not enough, Palipehutu members want an incremental USD 40,000 in their perks before they resume negotiations. It is believed that each of the individuals in the Palipehutu troop earns close to USD 1,000 per day in emoluments. This is well beyond the average cost of living for the ordinary citizen in Bujumbura, pegged at under a dollar a day, thousands of whom have been forced to flee to exile. Yet the rebels lavish in Dar thanks to the accommodating government of President Jakaya Kikwete and his South African counterpart. The rebels are seemingly oblivious or altogether indifferent of the fact that the two nations could fast be running out of patience.
The whole affair smells of dishonesty and reeks of greed. South Africa's Minister for Internal Security, Charles Nqakula has told the rebels to resume talks unconditionally.
Tanzania's man in charge of Foreign affairs and International Cooperation Bernard Membe is also calling for level headedness and an immediate return to the negotiating table for the concerned parties.
The other issue stealing the headlines was the admission by Burundi Central Bank that a forex crunch was in the offing in the tiny landlocked country. This has affected trading with all its partners including Kenya and Tanzania. Burundi imports close to 12% and 14% from Kenya and Tanzania respectively.
Dar also harbors the main entry point for goods entering into the country. The confession comes hot on the heels of the recent arrest and detention of Central Bank Chief, Isaac Bizimana following an alleged scandal involving embezzlement of funds.
Having said so, the memories of the 13 year old civil strife killing thousands and maiming others are still fresh in the minds of many.
The Partner States are today contending with the ripple effects of the war spill-over, particularly Tanzania which plays homage to thousands of refugees.
But the real problem lies squarely on the shoulders of the Partner States needing speedy intervention from the EAC Community. The EAC not only exists to ensure economic and socio-cultural integration but extends its tentacles to keeping peace and security in the region.
The Burundi case is a litmus test for the regional integration process. Ideally, for as long as Bujumbura remains in turmoil, the region should consider throwing caution in the wind, and make its stand known.
It may be incumbent on the EAC governments to show their might, and bare their knuckles to contain the threats by the intransigent Palipehutu force.
According to Article 124 of the Treaty establishing the EAC, Partner States agree that peace and security are pre-requisites to social and economic development within the Community and hence necessary to the achievement of its objectives. Justly, the EAC should now go further and establish common mechanisms to check civil strife.
Over the EAC's shoulders on the right side is Somalia, recently labeled by the Ibrahim Mohammed Foundation's Survey on Leadership, as the worst governed state on African soil following the destruction of functions and systems after the departure of strongman Siad Barre, a couple of years ago.
Its proximity to EAC means we must play close attention. The same is the case begging for in the recently discovered "oil rich" yet trouble-torn, Congo.
Peace remains vital for the region and is of more value than the moneybags demanded by Palipehutu rebels and others of the ilk.
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The writer comments on socio-economic issues and is based in Arusha
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