What's this? This is an unbiased just-the-facts news summary about Burundi, Jacob Zuma, Pierre Nkurunziza and South Africa. To see the full newsline, click the red tabs below. Love news? Become a contributor now!

6 Aug, 2015

Zuma says persuasion limited

Makes Statement0 Comments

In response to a question from the Inkatha Freedom Party, who cites Burundi as an example, Zuma says he tried to dissuade Nkurunziza from seeking a third term but hit a wall when his pleas were ignored.

Many of us interacted to say that might not help the country. We cannot say there was no effort to solve that African problem. I sent an envoy. He said it is not going to cause trouble, he has taken a decision and the constitution is on his side. Once you have reached that stage… when an African leader is not interested, that becomes difficult…No military men can take over as they please. There are a few exceptions. Burundi, where even its own regions could not persuade it … but even there the man is not saying he is going to stay forever… he has argued the point through the constitution and the court has supported him. We can’t force people, we have to talk to them, nudge them.

He says leaders have to respect the sovereignty of other African nations while they try to resolve problems.

It does not mean we will solve all matters at the right time…we are not going to ride roughshod over constitutions.

0 0 votes
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments