AU High Level Delegation to Burundi conclusion statement
Our High Level Delegation comprising His Excellencies the Presidents of Senegal, Gabon, Mauritania, South Africa, and the Prime Minister of Ethiopia has concluded its visit to Burundi.
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.
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.
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 political problems can be attained only through inclusive and peaceful engagement.
The Government of Burundi has committed to the following:
The Government will continue the steps it has begun to open up space for free political activity by the people of Burundi and ensure the freedom of the media.
The AU will deploy one hundred human rights observers and one hundred military monitors to Burundi to monitor the situation.
His Excellency President Yoweri Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda, 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.
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 will provide a full report to the African Union Chairperson, His Excellency President Idriss Deby Itno, President of the Republic 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.
We thank His Excellency President Nkurunziza, the government and people of Burundi for their warm hospitality. I thank you.
