Pretoria – President Jacob Zuma says his engagements in Burundi were productive and fruitful.
President Zuma led the African Union (AU) High Level Delegation sent to assist in strengthening the peace process.
The delegation included the Presidents of Senegal, Gabon, Mauritania and the Prime Minister of Ethiopia.
“We have spent the last two days meeting with various stakeholders comprising the Burundi government, political parties and civil society, soliciting their views about the political situation here in Burundi.
“We are pleased with the participation and contributions of all these sectors,” President Zuma said in a statement on Saturday.
He said the high level delegation of the Heads of State and Government expressed its concerns about the levels of violence, loss of life and the general state of political instability in the country.
President Zuma said the delegation was pleased that all parties expressed a strong commitment to resolving political problems that exist through inclusive and peaceful dialogue.
“We believe strongly that the solution to Burundian political problems can be attained only through inclusive and peaceful engagement,” he said.
The government of Burundi has committed to continue with the steps it has begun to open up space for free political activity by the people of Burundi and ensure media freedom.
The AU will deploy 100 human rights observers and 100 military monitors to Burundi to monitor the situation.
“Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni will convene an inclusive dialogue that will be attended by all important stakeholders as soon as possible to continue the work that he has already started of facilitating peace talks in Burundi.
“We urge the international community to support the people of Burundi in their efforts to find lasting peace and development for the country,” President Zuma said.
The delegation will provide a report to the AU chairperson, the President of the Republic of Chad, on the outcome of the visit.
President has thanked the members of the AU High Level Delegation for their participation in the important visit. – SAnews.gov.za
