Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – 26 April 2015: The Chairperson of the African Union Commission Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma is following very closely the situation in Burundi, particularly following the nomination, on 25 April 2015, of H.E. Pierre Nkurunziza as the ruling party's candidate for the upcoming Presidential elections planned for May 2015 in Burundi.
The AU Commission Chairperson calls on the authorities in Burundi to exercise the highest restraints and protect the population in its reaction to the third-term candidacy announcement. She urges those protesting to conduct their demonstrations in a peaceful and orderly manner within the confines of the laws of Burundi. The Chairperson calls for the political actors to use appropriate channels to seek redress in any grievances, including disputes around elections.
Dr. Dlamini Zuma reiterates the call she made on 27 March 2015, during her working visit to Burundi, in which she called on all stakeholders to strictly respect the 2000 Arusha Agreement, the Constitution and the Electoral Law.
Concerned about the reported deaths as she follows the situation on the ground, the AU Commission Chairperson insists on the need for everyone to work toward preserving Burundi's hard-earned peace, enhancing reconciliation, respecting human rights and promoting shared prosperity, as Burundi holds a series of elections in 2015.
Jacob Enoh Eben, Spokesperson of the Chairperson, Cell: +251934996893, Email: EnohebenJ@africa-union.org