Burundi Political Situation

While I remember soldiers everywhere while we were in Bujumbura last September (2007), I'm not sure I knew much of what was going on there politically. Our women's conference actually took place in the "Red Zone" - a piece of information we didn't know until our second day there when we were informed of the reasons it was important for us to be on our way back into town before nightfall. We were also told that many of the women who intended to come to the conference did not because of the location.

I just received an e-mail today that today shines a light on what has been going on in Burundi. Here's it is:

<<It is my great joy to inform you that on May 16, 2007, a delegation from Tanzania representing FNL, the group that was still fighting, arrived in Bujumbura to finalize negotiations with the government under the mediation of South Africa and representatives from African Union, European Union and United Nations. FNL delegation is led by Pasteur Habimana who is the spokesman of the FNL movement.

Negotiations started on May 19, 2008 and as a result yesterday Monday 26th of May 2008, at 9:30 am local time, they signed the ceasefire accord. From the field where there was still fighting in two area including some parts of Bubanza Province and some parts of Rural Bujumbura Province, reports say that the agreement was adhered to by both the government army and the FNL army. Many people were interviewed on radio and on TV expressing their joy that for the 32 hours from the ceasefire, they did not hear any gunshot. All political parties in Burundi, the civil societies, ambassadors representing their country in Burundi, the international community saluted ceasefire accord signed yesterday and request each party to fulfill all the requirements that are necessary for the success of what was agreed upon. Agaton Rwasa, the president of FNL movement who is now in Tanzania is expected in Burundi on June 2, 2008.

We would like to request you to rejoice with us and to pray with us so that what was agreed may be put into practice.>>

Wow! I had no idea there was still fighting going on in this country. You'd never know it by looking at the people. I pray with ALARM that the agreement is honored and that this is the end of violence in Burundi.

Our team from Watermark leaves in less than two months. We have our flights. We have two team meetings left. I have about $700 left to raise. I have yet to learn any new Kirundi words (the local language) but I'm super excited to be going.

Thank you so much to everyone who has been so generous to support this trip. I'm humbled by the generosity I've witnessed from friends and family alike. For those who have never been or won't ever have the chance to visit this little country in eastern Africa, I hope to be able to tell you their story...as much as I can glean...from my time there.

Grateful for your prayers in my preparation.