Sir, - I would like to express my agreement with some of the points raised by Vincent Browne in his recent article (August 21st) on the pending humanitarian crisis in Burundi. I too am appalled and angered by the level of inaction and deafening silence from the international community, and in particular the Irish Government, at what looks to become yet another human catastrophe. Having worked as a volunteer during the very initial stages of the Rwandan crisis, it sickens me to think that such a situation could, and is going to, happen again.
The opportunities presented by virtue of Ireland's presidency of the EU to, for once, initiate or lead the debate have yet to be taken up. It is ironic that despite the Irish public's ongoing generosity in its support for the various non governmental aid agencies (NGOs) working in developing countries, when the opportunity arises for the Government to do something other than send money in reaction to a crisis, nothing is being done.
In the absence of genuine debate and analysis, the "feelgood" factor will probably remain, but the effectiveness of such aid will be minimal and in many cases will make the situation worse. It is no longer okay, if it ever was, to dabble in the affairs of Africa when it suits, but to hold back when the going gets tough. Countries such as Ireland if they continue to provide aid, whether in the form of long term development projects or emergency aid, have a wider responsibility to these countries.
During my time with the Rwandan refugees, we had a number of visits from Irish politicians and statespeople, usually to applaud the work done by the various aid agencies etc. Should the situation in Burundi deteriorate to the same extent, it would be hypocritical of Irish Government Ministers to conduct such visits once again, in the light of their silence and failure to make any effort to prevent such a situation.
The Government and the various aid agencies have a responsibility to countries such as Burundi this responsibility goes further than merely the provision of aid during a crisis. Do we have to wait for the standard pictures and television coverage of endless streams of defeated looking people fleeing to neighbouring countries, leaving behind the carnage caused by war, before the situation in Burundi merits our attention? I hope not. - Yours, etc.
Limerick.