Distinguished Heads of Diplomatic and Consular Missions and International Organizations,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen, all protocol observed;
Allow me to extend to you the greetings and congratulations of His Excellency Ambassador Ezekiel NIBIGIRA, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Burundi, who was unable to attend this event due to a hectic schedule and who subsequently honored me to represent him.
It is also a pleasure to be able to respond to your invitation to celebrate the Europe Day, which is enshrined in the Treaty of Rome since the year 1957.
If the international situation has changed a lot, today Europe still has a lot to contribute: because it is built on the ruins of war, it can offer a message of reconciliation of peoples and Nations and because it is built with respect for the diversity of its nations, it inspires an example of dialogue and cultures and civilizations.
Excellency the Ambassador, Ladies and Gentlemen;
This year, the European Union has just totaled 40 years of its presence in Burundi. The Government of Burundi sincerely appreciates the good works done in our country.
However, it is regrettable that, at this moment, this anniversary is much more marked by a large gap in direct cooperation with the Government of Burundi.
This is largely due to some arrangements made long before by the framework governing cooperation between the European Union and the ACP countries. We hope that with the current revision of the Cotonou Agreement, the one that will govern this partnership after 2020 will be more balanced in terms of each other’s duties and responsibilities.
The Government of Burundi regrets the recent unilateral decision taken by the European authorities to maintain the same format of cooperation with Burundi, in accordance with Article 96 of the Cotonou Agreement.
Excellency, Ladies and Gentlemen;
I can assure you that the socio-political and security environment has improved significantly and that it is no longer a cause for concern. The Government of Burundi is making every effort to further strengthen peace and security, and you are all witnesses to it both in the countryside and in the capital Bujumbura.
Convinced that a frank, open and inclusive dialogue is the foundation for resolving differences, the Government has set up bodies capable of responding to the grievances and concerns of the People of Burundi. These bodies include the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the National Commission for Inter-Burundian Dialogue, whose report has been submitted. Remember that among the recommendations of the people through this Commission, there was the holding of the constitutional referendum, to give the people the opportunity to have a say on certain questions of political life.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen;
During the recent contacts with the New Foreign Affairs Minister, it was an opportunity to review and assess together these achievements, the fruit of a mutually beneficial cooperation with the European Union either bilaterally or multilaterally.
A sentiment of satisfaction over the political and security developments seemed very encouraging from our partners in the European Union.
In the light of these efforts, the Government of the Republic of Burundi is once again surprised and disappointed by the latest statement of the European Union concerning the situation in Burundi ahead of the constitutional referendum. Counter-truths emerge from the outset in the statement.
As I have just mentioned, the opportunity for this referendum on the Constitution was widely discussed at all levels during the popular consultations, not to mention that all the political actors had converged on the imperative need for the amendment of the constitution when they convened in Kayanza in 2014.
As you realize, the population participates freely and safely in election campaigns, the ruling party, the opposition parties, as well as political coalitions with proven discipline and all enjoying fair coverage by State media, in accordance with the relevant code of conduct. This proves that the people are ready to respond massively to the referendum. It can be deduced that the concerns raised by some of our partners, particularly the European Union, are fabricated concerns and not actual concern on the ground.
As far as it is concerned, the Government of the Republic of Burundi reiterates its commitment to conduct a free and transparent referendum, with the participation of everyone.
I would therefore like to reassure national and international opinion that the Government of Burundi could never take the risk of calling into question the key articles of the Arusha Agreement, which contributed to peace in this country following several decades of bloody conflicts between brothers and sisters of the same nation.
The Government of Burundi would like to recall that an update of this Constitution falls under the sovereignty of Burundi and the right of the Burundian people and the respect of its national institutions: no one else therefore, can afford to call into question the will of the Burundian people.
Mr. the Ambassador;
Allow me to remind you that with your presence in Burundi and that of your fellow Ambassadors of the member countries of the European Union, you have been able to report on all these actions of the Government in the direction of strengthening the Rule of law and improve the living conditions of the population, despite the major challenges facing the Government.
The Government of Burundi believes that the European Union should reconsider its decision to revitalize cooperation with the Government of Burundi.
The Government of Burundi remains ready to engage with the European Union in a diplomatic and prospective dynamics of ways and means coordinated to find solutions to this situation, that of course in the respect of the rules governing the States in terms of sovereignty.
Excellency the Ambassador, Ladies and Gentlemen;
In conclusion, we hope that our relations can evolve into a new and more fruitful cooperation dynamic.
