AU urges compromise from Burundi factions after EAC summit no-show
The African Union Commission chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat has urged Burundi’s feuding factions to engage in dialogue to resolve the troubled country’s political crisis.
Mahamat’s remarks come following the East Africa Community’s failure to host its 20th heads of state that was due to take place on Friday, due to the absence of Burundi.
Burundi failed to send a representative to the summit which was to be held in the Tanzanian city of Arusha, saying it did not receive an invitation in time.
“The Chairperson of the Commission, noting with deep concern the persistent impasse in inclusive dialogue, calls on all Burundian actors to demonstrate the spirit of compromise that the present situation demands. He stressed that inclusive dialogue remains the only way to enable Burundi to sustainably overcome the current challenges,” A statement attributed to Mahamat read in part.
In the statement, the AUC chief called upon President Pierre Nkurunziza to avail himself for the re-scheduled EAC Heads of State Summit on December 27.
“He (Mahamat) hopes that President Pierre Nkurinziza will make a personal contribution to the success of the Summit that the East African Community plans to hold on 27 December 2018. In the meantime, it is crucial that all the concerned actors refrain from any measures, including political and/or judicial, likely to complicate the search for a consensual solution,” the statement continued.
Burundi has been dogged by political turmoil since April 2015, following the declaration by President Pierre Nkurunziza that he would seek a controversial third term in office, one which he went on to win in the July 2015 poll.
Hundreds have been killed, with opposition figures pointing the accusing finger on the government, saying Nkurunziza’s regime was eliminating critics. The government has always denied that however.
The feuding Burundi factions have been meeting in Tanzania for talks, though the process his a snag as each side boycotted some sessions.
A mediation team led by former Tanzanian President Benjamin Mkapa was scheduled to present a report to the East African Community Heads of State Summit in November.
The report was not tabled due to Burundi’s absence.
In his statement, the AUC chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat pledged support for further efforts to pacify Burundi.
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