The Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) is deeply concerned at the deteriorating political situation in Burundi. The insistence of President Pierre Nkurunziza to run for a third term is a retrogressive step in what has been considered a growing democracy. The tendency by African leaders to either seek to change constitutions of their countries or find constitutional loopholes in order to enable themselves to continue in power is deplorable.
We call on President Pierre Nkurunziza to step down at the end of his second term, which means he would have served ten years as President of Burundi. He has served his country well and brought it from the ravages of a civil war to stability. His determination on holding on to power despite the clear signs of objections from his people will merely blemish the achievements of the last decade. President Nkurunzisa should not drag his country into the abyss after a hard won peace that was midwifed, among others, by people like the late Nelson Mandela.
The ongoing riots and people’s protests in Burundi should be a stark warning to all those who like President Pierre Nkurunziza are hoping to manipulate their privilege to power in order to continue their hegemony. African leaders should learn to read the signs of the times and accept the will of the people when their time is over.
Signed;
Dr. Prince Dibeela
Secretary for International Relations
