More ... on the crisis in Burundi

President Nkurunziza has decided to go on with the elections as planned for June despite warnings from the US and the European Union that credible elections can not be held in Burundi at this time given the state of things.

A statement released by an African Union representative last week also reaffirms this.

Belgium, has decided to withdraw close to $ 6 million dollars aid, part of which was initially to help organize the elections.

President Nkurunziza has said that the people's protest are fueled by outside forces and a decision to step down at this time will lead to more crisis.

The opposition as well as the civilians have said that the President's third term bid is against the constitution. 

A court ruling in Burundi last week was however in favor of the President.

The United Sates has maintained  that this move by President Nkurunziza is against the agreement that ended the 12 year civil war barely a decade ago.

Protests have become a daily occurrence in Burundi since the announcement was made about two weeks ago.

About 50000 people have fled from their homes so as to avoid pre electoral violence and 18 lives have been lost.

If this trend continues, the Nation may be plunged into another severe humanitarian crisis.

More people may have to flee en masse into neighboring countries  thereby leading to further socio economic instabilities.

Severe food shortage may occur due to the closure of major food routes and agricultural industries as well as the inability of subsistence farmers to carry out their daily activities.

Death toll may rise and this occurs more commonly amongst the youths because they are usually at the fore front of the fight. 

This cuts short the lives of the youths and adolescents and this is disastrous for any nation and especially a developing post war Nation.

Epidemics of different sorts may also have free course to plague the people.

It's note worthy that UNICEF and ally organizations have been doing the best  possible to ensure adequate immunization in various dangerous and conflict stricken zones as well as in the various refugee camps in Africa.

Hence, we appeal to all affected parties to embrace a peaceful resolution of the ongoing crisis for the betterment of the Nation as a whole and the common good and health of individuals, families and communities.