Press Release Nº189/2015

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – 14 August 2015: It is imperative that all parties convene to participate in genuine dialogue in order to find a peaceful, consensual and long-lasting solution to the crisis facing Burundi. This is the main message that came out of the meeting between the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma and a delegation of international partners held on 14 August 2015, to discuss the ongoing crisis in Burundi.

The delegation of international partner missions to the AU, comprising of representatives from the United States of America, the European Union, Belgium, Germany and United Kingdom, congratulated the Chairperson of the AU Commission for her personal, and the AU’s unrelenting efforts and engagement to finding a peaceful solution to the ongoing crisis. They reiterated their support to the AU Commission in its efforts to lead the way towards an appeasement in Burundi in order to avoid any deterioration in the current state of affairs.

The Chairperson of the AUC also extended her appreciation for the continued support and concern that the international community has expressed for the resolution of the conflict in Burundi. She also reinforced the need for collaborative efforts by all stakeholders to ensure that stability returns to the country. In this respect, she called for the opposition in the country to engage in the dialogue which is being mediated by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni.

The meeting once again urged all parties involved to urgently and seriously intensify their efforts to restore peace in this country of the Great Lakes, emphasising the need for the respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms.

FS/JEE/WZM