Editor,

It is deeply rooted in the concept of "ubumuntu” (humanity) to accommodate people regardless of where they originate. However, I have this to say: Do African leaders have to question why are their people running away from their respective countries?

Now look at the case of Burundi; it is clear that the people of Burundi have no confidence in their leadership, which is why they are running away before the worst could happen.

I would expect Presidents Paul Kagame (of Rwanda), Yoweri Museveni (Uganda), Uhuru Kenyatta (Kenya) and Jakaya Kikwete (Tanzania) and the Prime Minister of Ethiopia (Hailemariam Desalegn) to kindly advise their counterpart Pierre Nkurunziza of Burundi to abide by the constitution (it’s never too late even though his party has already picked him as its flag-bearer) and respect the people’s voice.

Burundians need peace, not these everlasting exoduses. Think of the children; what will they be in the future? Why are African leaders so greedy for power?

Our brothers and sisters are dying every day crossing the Mediterranean Sea due to the unrest in their respective countries and their leaders not respecting human rights.

Zisa Busolo

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I suppose Burundi appreciates contributions made by foreign nationals toward its relative stability during its other tumultuous times.

The situation in Burundi is indeed very serious and warrants an urgent coordinated international effort if recent history has taught anything to all of us. This time nobody should say that he did not know.

Fleeing Burundians should not be blamed for not being able to resist violence. Many others have fled in similar circumstances. Unarmed citizens have rarely resisted state terrorism.

Bela

Reactions to the story, "Fleeing Burundians granted refugee status” (The New Times, April 25)