n Burundi the situation continues to be dramatic, writes Fr. Gabriele Ferrari, ex-Superior General of the Xaverians in an editorial published in the April issue of “Missionari Saveriani”. He sustains that the country’s Easter hope is being put to the test because of its great sufferings. Fr. Ferrari says that in Burundi “a civil war has been in progress for almost ten years which has filled the country with bloodshed.
After the assassination of the first democratically elected President of the Republic, Burundi fell into a series of vendettas, violent fighting and killings which has already caused more that 300,000 victims. And I assure you that these numbers are on the low side!”
“The country has been brought to the edge of destruction. Agriculture has been drastically reduced, schools and industries function haphazardly and the development of the country has all but stopped. Many of the collaborating organizations have ceased their activity. The economy of Burundi, which is already almost totally dependent on external help, is ready to collapse. There is always less money available.”
We have stayed in the midst of the difficulties and fears. We stay because we believe that the Reign of God is still at work even in this situation which seems to have no future.
“There are still very many refugees and evacuees. Malnutrition and sickness have killed many, especially children. Lack of security and fear, armed robbery and night violence are unsettling the people. Peace is slow in coming and the temptation to give up is very strong. The situation is very discouraging even if the present government is doing everything to build up confidence and hope.”
“Even if there were an official cease fire, it would be difficult to find peace after so much looting and the perpetration of so many injustices in these ten years. Can the people who have been so traumatized find the normality of everyday life again? Many children are orphans and have been abandoned in the streets. Families have been destroyed. Young people have no future and have no work. How can they find a normal life?”
“We, Xaverian Missionaries, are here. We have stayed in the midst of the difficulties and fears. We stay because we believe that the Reign of God is still at work even in this situation which seems to have no future. The reign of God awaits Christians who will recognize and promote it with hope and trust through “the power of the resurrection” which has the last word even after physical death”.
“At times it is difficult to believe in this hidden presence that is like a seed planted in history – the seed blooms and grows on its own, even when he who planted it sleeps or does something else.” “There are also encouraging facts. The very hope of the people sustains our hope. The desire to begin again, the attempts for peace, and the marches for non-violence are positive signs. There is also a growing consciousness of each person’s rights and duties, which was, at one time, totally absent.”
(From VID)