Pretoria - The African Union (AU) has renewed its appeal for dialogue and restraint in Burundi.
Chairperson of the AU Commission, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, says she continues to follow closely the evolution of the situation in Burundi.
In a statement from AU on Thursday, the chairperson expressed concern at the serious threat that the developments of the past few days pose to the long-term stability of Burundi and the hard-won gains made over the past years towards peace, security and stability, as well as regional stability.
She deplored the loss of life, conveyed the AU's condolences to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery to all those who were injured during these most unfortunate incidents.
Dlamini-Zuma also expressed her deep concern over the increasing number of refugees arriving in Rwanda due to the prevailing situation on the ground.
She underscored the need for dialogue among Burundian stakeholders in order to resolve their differences peacefully and create conditions conducive for the holding of peaceful, inclusive, free, fair and transparent elections.
She reiterated the AU's urgent appeal for all concerned to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from any action likely to further complicate the current situation.
She echoed the call by the Peace and Security Council (PSC) for the urgent disarmament of all militia and illegal armed groups, and its strong condemnation of acts of violence. She stressed the need to ensure the respect of fundamental freedoms in line with member states’ commitments under the AU's instruments on democracy and human rights.
Dlamini Zuma said Burundi is at a critical juncture.
“All stakeholders must rise to the challenges at hand to enable the country to peacefully overcome the current problems and deepen democracy and the rule of law.”
There have been protests against Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza's bid for a third term, after the president's candidacy was officially announced.
The clashes between police and protesters have left several people dead while reports indicate that over 20 000 Burundians had flocked to Rwanda and other neighbouring countries over the past month.
AU Commission is to dispatch a high-level mission urgently to Burundi to identify other practical measures that can assist in defusing the current tension and contribute to the establishment of conditions conducive to the successful organisation of the elections.
Burundi will hold its general elections between May and August, with the presidential election to be held on June 26. - SAnews.gov.za-Xinhua
