News
In Burundi, where democratic elections in 2005 fostered hopes for peace and democracy, recent crime and violence has caused the churches there to fear for the nation's stability. An ecumenical delegation led by former Mozambique president, Joaquim Chissano, visited the central African country at the invitation of the National Council of Churches in Burundi, 28-31 January. Chissano has gained international recognition for a successful disarmament programme in Mozambique.
Two feature stories and a report tell you about the why's and what's of the mission:
In Burundi fear of guns drives insecurity
Feature story by Fredrick Nzwili
An abundance of illegal guns in the hands of civilians and ex-combatants is threatening to stall peace efforts in the central African nation of Burundi and undermine security once more.
The guns are being used in robberies, killings and violence against women and children, Methodist Bishop Noe Nzeyimana said in an interview in the capital city, Bujumbura. "Insecurity in Burundi is because of these arms which are everywhere." Read more
Eminent Ecumenical Persons on solidarity visit to Burundi
Feature story by Fredrick Nzwili
An ecumenical solidarity visit to Burundi, led by the former Mozambican President Joachim Chissano, under the Eminent Persons Ecumenical Programme for Peace in Africa (EPEPPA), started in the country's capital, Bujumbura, on 29 January.
They were meeting with top government officials in order to reinforce the Burundian peace process. Read more
The Eminent Persons Ecumenical Programme for Peace in Africa: First experience in Burundi
Report by WCC programme executive for Africa André Karamaga
