Anglican Communion News Service

by Rosemary Cottingham

Burundi has been at war since 1993. During that time many have lost their lives, become refugees, and been internally displaced.

Attempts to secure a cease-fire agreement between the Burundian Government and the armed opposition groups (the FDD and FNL) have, so far, remained elusive, although it is hoped that negotiations will eventually be successful.

The transitional Government was set up in 2001 as a result of the Peace Accord signed in Arusha. It is bound by the terms of the Accord and in so doing has the support of the International Community.

The Force for the Defence of Democracy (FDD), who was not involved in Arusha, does not accept the Accord and has different strategies for negotiation that ignore it. The National Liberation Front (FNL) has been unprepared to negotiate and their preconditions for doing so are unacceptable and unrealistic to the Government. Other "non violent" opposition groups have their own agendas that contribute to the complexities of the situation.

Meanwhile, people's lives continue to be disrupted and affected by rebel attacks and exchanges between the army and rebels. Many children have become orphans as a result of the war and the rapid spread of HIV/AIDS. A growing number of children are to be found on the streets. They are unable to attend school because there is nobody to pay their school fees and buy the exercise books and other equipment that is required.

Travel is often restricted or dangerous. Sometimes roads are closed because security cannot be guaranteed. Vehicles are vulnerable to ambush or crossfire. When areas are insecure it is difficult for clergy to visit their parishes and dioceses. During recent months many confirmation services have been held and Bishops have undertaken dangerous journeys in order to officiate. Moving around to attend meetings or do business can be risky as one of the diocesan development officers experienced when he and his travelling companion spent an hour and a half in Lake Tanganyika to escape an ambush.

Many homes have been damaged or destroyed by grenades or gunfire. Bullets passing through walls and windows being broken have damaged the home of the Bishop of Bujumbura, the Rt Revd Pie Ntukamazina, on several occasions. Homes have been looted and families have lost all their possessions. One Christian man who works as a night watchman had his house looted a few weeks ago and what upset him the most was that he had all his Bibles stolen. Those who have been displaced live with grinding poverty in camps.

Most people are tired of the war and want peace to become a reality, although as gunfire echoes around the suburbs of the capital and mortars land in some of the central and eastern regions of the country, it seems as elusive as ever.

The Episcopal Church faces many challenges as it seeks to share the Gospel and assist people in practical ways. The repatriation of refugees is a major concern as hundreds return each day. People arrive empty handed. They need clothing, household equipment, agricultural tools, school fees and uniforms for their children.

In spite of the difficulties, the Church continues to grow. New parishes are being created. Churches are being planted. Students are studying in the Bible Colleges and Theological Institute. Christian Unions are flourishing in schools. Women are being empowered to make a difference to their families and communities as they become literate and numerate.