After the high of the OCT team visit, we have hit a low point in the last few weeks due to the ongoing civil unrest here in Bujumbura. Since the presidents announcement at the end of April, that he would run for the controversial third term, there have been many demonstrations on the streets, some of them violent.
Tom and I remain in Bujumbura, in areas that are thankful quite quiet and safe, but some days it is not possible to go out of the house because the streets are too unpredictable, and insecure.
The unrest that we see is heartbreaking, not least because it could set this country back, in development terms, by many years. No international organisation or government will invest in a country that is so unstable, and alongside many thousands of Burundians who are fleeing, international NGO personnel are packing up and leaving.
It also will potentially have serious consequences for our project. Meetings need to be postponed because staff are not able to get to the office; Trips out of the city are cancelled because it is too dangerous to travel; Essential visits from other UK organisations, involved in the Muyinga vilage are postponed indefinitely, pending a more settled situation.
It is frustrating at times, but yet, we still trust in a God that is good, unchanging and in control. As I’ve said before, peace is an essential ingredient for this project – so pray for God’s peace to reign, and for wisdom for Tom and I to make the right decisions about the project and our time here in Burundi.
