AU to deploy 200 monitors to Burundi
The African Union will deploy 100 human rights observers and 100 military monitors to Burundi.
|||Bujumbura - The African Union (AU) will deploy 100 human rights observers and 100 military monitors to Burundi while the Burundi government continues to open up space for free political activity in the country.
This emerged on Saturday after the AU high level delegation concluded its visit to Burundi.
The delegation comprised of the presidents of Senegal, Gabon, Mauritania, and South Africa, 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,” the delegation said in a statement on Saturday.
“We are pleased with the participation and contributions of all these sectors.”
The delegation had expressed its concerns about the levels of violence, loss of life, and the general state of political instability in Burundi.
“We are, however, pleased that all parties expressed strong commitment to resolving whatever political problems exist through inclusive and peaceful dialogue. We believe strongly that the solution to Burundi’s political problems can be attained only through inclusive and peaceful engagement,” the delegation said.
The government of Burundi had committed to continue the steps it had started to open up space for free political activity by the people of Burundi and ensure the freedom of the media.
“The AU will deploy 100 human rights observers and 100 military monitors to Burundi to monitor the situation.”
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni would convene an inclusive dialogue to be attended by “all important stakeholders” as soon as possible to continue the work he had already started to facilitate 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. In this regard, we urge the international community to restore the provision of assistance to Burundi as requested by the people of Burundi so that they can continue with building their country.”
The delegation would provide a full report to AU chairman President Idriss Deby Itno of Chad.
“We want to emphasise the importance for all the people of Burundi to participate in the inclusive dialogue that is being facilitated by President Museveni. The visit has been fruitful and productive. We trust that it will contribute immensely to taking the peace process [forward],” the delegation said.
African News Agency