The following was written by Burundi-based ASFL Local Coordinator Hendrix Nkamicaniye  

During the last few decades, Burundi has faced gruesome conflict periods due to military coups and unequal power sharing among the two ethnic divides which comprises this nation.  The recent conflict dates back to 1993, which led innocent civilians to be killed or fled their country because of the undemocratic regime or armed groups who waged war against, what they called the dictatorial regime. In some instances, civilians were accused mistakenly for combatants, or targeted simply because of their ethnic backgrounds.

In 2005, after a ceasefire agreement was reached; most of the people who were refugees returned home and lived in what was to be a relatively peaceful decade. From April 2015, however, when the sitting president decided to run for another term, the opposition and civil society took to the streets to protest this decision. From that time onward, the news has been bringing us daily images and stories of people streaming out of Burundi. This is largely due to the sporadic violence in Bujumbura, the capital, and due to the crimes perpetrated against the people from responsible parties.

The formula has been the same:  one side reminds to what they called OURS, the time they were inflicted deliberately human rights abuses by the other regime. Another party points out that their grievances about Arusha agreement and constitution are legitimate thus has to be met. Some feel powerless because they have no place to turn for justice, and others see that their political interests are threatened. Consequently, emotions are easily charged in both sides and all feel the sense a responsibility to defend their interests. Some parties define the current conflict based on their subjective experience and long-held unredressed issues. Others involved in this struggle of power exploit the present or the past to attain their self-serving ends and incite the populace to join in their warring adventure.

Furthermore, the local civil societies and some journalists involved in the current conflict have been seen as biased by the state and sympathizers of the opposition; opposition which accused by the current government of fomenting rebellion. On the other hand, other local activists are seen by the opposition as working for the state agenda. The international community, including Belgium in their efforts to appease the situation, they have been accused by the Burundian government of supporting the opposition and thus encourages the collapse the current government.

In order to prevent Burundi from sliding into the next conflict which is likely to revive the old cancer of ethnic discrimination, both parties ought to engage in a frank dialogue which is the only solution to the current conflict and avoid the use of force as a means to attain or retain power. And in so doing, the beating heart of Africa will eventually embark on the path of development; cherish the ideals of inclusiveness, diversity, democracy, and liberty.