US Envoy: Burundi is on the brink of widespread conflict

(Vatican Radio)  The U.S. government’s Special Envoy to Africa’s Great Lakes region Tom Perriello warned on Thursday that Burundi’s political crisis and spate of killings is moving the country closer towards a return to civil war. Perriello visited Uganda earlier this month to consult with the Kampala government on how to restart peace negotiations in Burundi. He also visited Burundi and other countries in East Africa to support the region’s efforts to calm tensions and pull Burundi back from the brink. 

Perriello is currently in Rome for meetings with representatives from the Holy See and the Community of Sant’Egidio, to discuss regional peace efforts.  He spoke to Susy Hodges about the crisis in Burundi and also about expectations concerning Pope Francis’ upcoming pastoral visit to Kenya, Uganda and the Central African Republic.

Listen to the interview with U.S. Envoy, Tom Perriello: 

 

Pope Francis: a strong voice for peace across religious lines

Kenya and Uganda, the first two stops on Pope Francis’ visit to Africa later this month, have both been the victims of terrorist attacks by the Al-Shabab militant Islamist group. Asked whether the two African countries are worried about security during Pope Francis’ visit in the light of these past attacks, Perriello conceded that “security remains a deep concern” for many countries in that region  but said there is “extremely strong” enthusiasm for the papal visit, especially given his strong focus on “issues of poverty and the vulnerable.” The U.S. Envoy also pointed to the benefit of a visit by Pope Francis, a person who “has been such a strong voice for peace and reconciliation across religious lines”, saying that’s something from which "all countries could benefit."

Burundi is on the brink

Turning to the crisis in Burundi, Perriello warned that the African nation “is on the brink of widespread violence” and said “there is a strong sense across the region that time is not on our side in Burundi.” He described how the U.S. is concerned about the “atrocities” being committed in Burundi that include “torture, extrajudicial killings and threats against Church personnel.” The U.S. Envoy said the Burundian government was “becoming increasingly repressive” and said he hoped the Pope’s visit to Africa could help reinforce peace efforts before it’s too late.