Addis Ababa, 6 October 2015: The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, continues to closely follow the evolution of the situation in Burundi. She is particularly concerned about the deteriorating security situation and the increase in acts of violence and violations of human rights, which pose a serious threat to peace and stability in Burundi and the region as a whole. She expresses the firm condemnation, by the AU, of the situation and of these unacceptable acts, and stresses the need for sustained action in the fight against impunity.
The Chairperson of the Commission urges all Burundian stakeholders to exercise utmost restraint and refrain from all acts and statements which are likely to further exacerbate the situation. She underscores the need for a genuine political dialogue involving all stakeholders, as the only way that will enable Burundi to overcome the serious difficulties currently facing it and preserve the gains made thanks to the Arusha Peace and Reconciliation Agreement. Against this backdrop, she reiterates the AU’s support to the mediation efforts led by President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, on behalf of the East African Community (EAC). She urgently appeals for the early resumption of the EAC mediation, and urges all the Burundian parties to work towards the resumption of this process and to extend full cooperation to the EAC.
The Chairperson of the Commission reiterates the AU’s commitment to continue to work with the EAC and the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), as well as with the United Nations and other concerned partners, towards the promotion of lasting peace, security and stability in Burundi and in the region.