The Swiss-based organisation 'Initiatives of Change' held six days of 'honest conversations' with 33 leading Burundians

The Swiss-based organisation 'Initiatives of Change' held six days of 'honest conversations' with 33 leading Burundians

"Following last September´s ceasefire agreement between the Burundi government and rebel Palipehutu FNL (National Liberation Forces), 33 leading Burundians, including three former heads of state, held six days of 'honest conversations' as guests of Initatives of Change at its conference centre in Caux, Switzerland. In this bid to consolidate the fragile peace in their country the Burundians felt the need for an informal setting where they could build relationships of trust. Members of parliament, political leaders, representatives of Palipehutu FNL, religious leaders, and representatives of civil society tool part. 'Caux has helped us to open our hearts...to each other.´said one political leader. Another added, 'If we are motivated by our fears and hurts our country will never come out of the vicious circle of violence."