Raila terms as unfortunate and regrettable the attempted coup in Burundi
Soldiers patrol outside the Finance Ministry in Bujumbura on May 13, 2015 after the announcement of an attempted coup against the Burundian president. Cord leader Raila Odinga condemned the coup attempt. AFP PHOTO | LANDRY NSHIMIYE
What you need to know:
- The former Prime Minister observed that with the move, Burundi had lost a historic opportunity to strengthen its democracy.
- In a statement, Mr Odinga said the acquisition of power by means other than democratic elections should no longer have any place in Africa.
Cord leader Raila Odinga Wednesday evening termed as unfortunate and regrettable the attempted overthrowing of Burundi President Pierre Nkurunziza by the military.
However, Mr Odinga said the development was not a surprise, given the events of recent months.
The former Prime Minister observed that with the move, Burundi had lost a historic opportunity to strengthen its democracy by establishing a tradition of peaceful transfer of power.
He castigated the East Africa Community and the African Union leaders saying that they had failed to demonstrate that they are in tune with the changing times on the continent where people are not willing to be taken back to the old order in which constitutions counted for nothing.
In a statement, Mr Odinga said the acquisition of power by means other than democratic elections should no longer have any place in Africa.
“Military intervention, even if caused by a leadership adamant on overthrowing the constitution, will not solve the problems of Burundi and may only worsen the situation.
“Given Burundi’s history of ethnic divisions, it is likely that the military intervention will widen the sectarian divide,” said Mr Odinga.
He went on: “I expect the East Africa Community leaders meeting in Tanzania to come up with a clear road map for Burundi’s return to the path of constitutionalism and democratic elections, including a categorical statement that President Pierre Nkurunziza is not eligible to run.”
Mr Odinga called on the international community to support the right of the people of Burundi to a peaceful pursuit of their democratic rights and freedoms.
“Authorities in Burundi and the region must ensure respect for the right of all peaceful political parties and their candidates to campaign, hold meetings and rallies, and express their views.
“They must also ensure respect of the right of the media to report freely on the electoral process and campaigns.
“We must enforce an acceptance and respect of carrying out peaceful and credible elections in Burundi within the shortest time possible,” said Mr Odinga.
He also called on leaders in the region and the continent to recognise that times have changed.
