However, Mr Odinga said the development was not a surprise, given the events of recent months.
The
former Prime Minister observed that with the move, Burundi had lost a
historic opportunity to strengthen its democracy by establishing a
tradition of peaceful transfer of power.
He castigated
the East Africa Community and the African Union leaders saying that they
had failed to demonstrate that they are in tune with the changing times
on the continent where people are not willing to be taken back to the
old order in which constitutions counted for nothing.
In
a statement, Mr Odinga said the acquisition of power by means other
than democratic elections should no longer have any place in Africa.
“Military
intervention, even if caused by a leadership adamant on overthrowing
the constitution, will not solve the problems of Burundi and may only
worsen the situation.
“Given Burundi’s history of
ethnic divisions, it is likely that the military intervention will widen
the sectarian divide,” said Mr Odinga.
He went on: “I
expect the East Africa Community leaders meeting in Tanzania to come up
with a clear road map for Burundi’s return to the path of
constitutionalism and democratic elections, including a categorical
statement that President Pierre Nkurunziza is not eligible to run.”
Mr
Odinga called on the international community to support the right of
the people of Burundi to a peaceful pursuit of their democratic rights
and freedoms.
“Authorities in Burundi and the region
must ensure respect for the right of all peaceful political parties and
their candidates to campaign, hold meetings and rallies, and express
their views.
“They must also ensure respect of the right of the media to report freely on the electoral process and campaigns.
“We
must enforce an acceptance and respect of carrying out peaceful and
credible elections in Burundi within the shortest time possible,” said
Mr Odinga.
He also called on leaders in the region and the continent to recognise that times have changed
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