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WOMEN CAN HELP BRING PEACE IN
BURUNDI
By Habo Mokgola
June 14, 2004 – (BuaNews) Deputy President
Jacob Zuma has called on Burundian women to pressurise political
factions in that country to end the civil war and commence with
democratisation.
He was addressing delegates at the South Africa/Burundi
Women's Peace Dialogue preparatory meeting held in Pretoria today.
The meeting aims to come up with a working document
for the South Africa/Burundi Women's Peace Dialogue scheduled for
July.
First Lady Zanele Mbeki, Independent Electoral Commission
chair Brigalia Bam and Burundian Ambassador to South Africa Patricie
Rwimo attended the event.
He said Burundian women have a very important role
to play in the road ahead, leading to elections and beyond.
"Having borne the brunt of the war, women need
to put pressure on the various political parties to implement the
agreements they have signed, the Arusha Peace and Reconciliation
Agreement of 2000 and the three ceasefire agreements," he said.
Deputy President Zuma, who is the chief mediator
to end political conflict in Burundi, said he was concerned about
the minimal role assumed by Burundian women in bringing change in
their country.
"The role of women is more important in activities
relating to conflict resolution, especially given the huge impact
of wars on women and children, including destitution, brutality
such as rape, murder and famine," he said.
"The women of Burundi cannot afford to be passive;
this is their future and the future of their children. At this critical
stage in the history of their country, they should really make their
voices heard through a number of forums and opportunities,"
added the Deputy President.
The decade-long civil war in Burundi has claimed
more than 300 000 lives and displaced hundreds of civilians.
Democratic elections in Burundi are scheduled for
October this year ending the transitional arrangement brokered by
the Arusha Agreement.
Three rebel groups have signed a peace treaty but
one has refused to be part of the pact.
From: http://allafrica.com/stories/200406140767.html
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