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| Dr Richard Sezibera |
Themed Peaceful Elections in Burundi for Regional Integration, the COMESA-EAC Roundtables are joint dialogue initiatives/activities geared towards promoting a peaceful environment for elections, prevent elections-related violent conflict and support a smooth transition during and after the 2015 elections in Burundi.
Launching the Roundtables, the First Vice President of the Republic of Burundi, HE Prosper Bazombanza commended the EAC and COMESA Secretariats for organizing the important dialogue roundtables at the right time when Burundi was heading towards General Elections from May 2015.
The First Vice President reiterated the region’s a firm desire to see democratic, peaceful and stable elections in the Partner States and commended the two Regional Economic Communities for the role they have played and continue to play in supporting the consolidation of democracy, peace and stability in Burundi.
The First Vice President welcomed the inclusive roundtable as it gave the Barundi people another opportunity to share experiences, to dialogue on the pertinent issues, and to outline the initiatives that should be taken by various stakeholders as the election approaches “in order for us to achieve the goals we want”.
“It goes without saying that it is the values of dialogue and inclusion that are of the essence during this period, and which will enhance reconciliation efforts and help to build consensus among Burundians for a better tomorrow” affirmed HE Prosper Bazombanza.
The Secretary General of the East African Community Amb. Dr. Richard Sezibera noted that Elections were a process, and not an event; thus it was imperative that all the stakeholders stay involved in this process. He called on all stakeholders to fully participate in the Roundtable dialogue and to send out a strong message of peace to the people of Burundi.
“The EAC calls on all the stakeholders to put the interests of Burundi and Burundians first”, and the focus of EAC and COMESA is to walk alongside the people of Burundi before, during, and after the elections. “Peaceful elections are essential for the country as it integrates more into EAC and COMESA, and together we are committed to achieving the dream of greater social, political and economic development of Burundi” not Amb. Sezibera.
Notes to Editors
Between May and August 2015, Burundi will hold Local, Parliamentary, and Presidential Elections that will be crucial in terms of enabling the country consolidate the democratic gains realized since the last General Elections in 2010. As a country emerging from conflict, the elections will provide an opportunity to cement the stability of Burundi, enhance its prosperity and strengthen its contribution to regional integration.
The Government of Burundi requested the East African Community and COMESA to send a long term Observer Mission to Burundi. It is in this regard that both COMESA and EAC intend to engage with the people of Burundi through a series of activities including Roundtables Dialogues geared towards supporting peaceful elections in Burundi in 2015.
The EAC-COMESA Roundtables on consolidating regional stability through peaceful elections in Burundi has gathered representatives from Government, Political Parties, Civil Society Organizations, Religious Leaders, Media, Youth Groups, Women and Children. Eminent Persons from around the African Continent will have an opportunity to share experiences from their own jurisdictions. The dialogue is an open forum for free discussion to participants. Some of the eminent persons taking part in the Roundtables are: Dr. Specioza Wandira Kazibwe, Former Vice President of the Republic of Uganda and now a member of the African Union Panel of the Wise; Justice Joseph Warioba, Former Prime Minister of the United Republic of Tanzania; Amb. Bethuel Kiplagat, Former Senior Diplomat and Permanent Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kenya; and Hon. Amanya Mushenga, Former Secretary General of the East African Community.
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