Dlamini Zuma ‘dismayed’ at renewed violence in Burundi

ADDIS ABABA: African Union Commission chairwoman Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma is deeply concerned by the escalation of violence in Burundi, illustrated by Friday’s attacks on military camps in the capital Bujumbura, and in the Bujumbura rural area, as well as by the subsequent acts of violence, the AU said on Saturday.

Close to 90 people were killed during the violence.

“The chairperson of the commission reiterates the AU’s rejection of any recourse to violence and its strong condemnation of violations of human rights,” the AU said. “In this respect, she notes, with dismay and horror, the loss of many human lives and the reports on the summary execution of a number of people.

“She recalls that the AU, working with the larger international community, will spare no efforts in ensuring that the perpetrators of atrocities… are held accountable.”

Dlamini Zuma, pictured, stressed the situation in Burundi carried with it the risk of generalised violence with devastating consequences, both for the country itself and the entire region.

She reiterated the AU’s conviction on

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2015 the need and urgency of a truly inclusive inter-Burundian dialogue, based on the respect of the Arusha Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation, as the only way to resolve the serious crisis facing Burundi.

“Against this backdrop, she reiterates the AU’s support of the mediation efforts of President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda on behalf of the East African Community.

“The AU is in contact with the Ugandanled mediation to facilitate the urgent relaunching of the inter-Burundian dialogue with the participation of all concerned stakeholders. – ANA