EDITORIAL: International community should not give up on Burundi

The East African Community ((EAC) has sent a letter of protest to the Burundian government over the aggression suffered by its Secretary General, Dr. Richard Sezibera at the hands of the country’s security personnel. As the region’s top most diplomat who was on official duty to help that country come out of its political crisis, the aggression was mindboggling to say the least. If the Secretary General is not safe, then who is? Many good willing people and international organizations have come on board to find a lasting solution to a volatile situation and the logical solution was for the Burundi government to patiently listen to the advice given without necessarily trading its sovereignty. But once a country decides to bury its head in the sand, throws the Vienna Protocols to the winds as it swirls downwards towards unfettered violence, then all that is left are prayers. No country can live in isolation and live to see the next day and no diplomatic overtures will amount to much if one side is intransigent. Of all regional and international communities that have taken interest in the happenings in Burundi, the East African Community is better placed to understand the intricacy of the Burundi crisis. So, if it can’t get a foothold on the negotiation table, hardly anyone will do so convincingly. But all things aside; Burundi needs help and the international community should not give up hope. Sometimes it needs to go the extra mile and convince belligerents that it serves a greater good to listen to reason. It might take time, but the patience will be worth the wait.

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EDITORIAL: International community should not give up on Burundi