– ‘Inclusive dialogue’ –
The AU delegation “expressed its concerns about the levels of violence, loss of life, and the general state of political instability in the country”, said the statement.
“We believe strongly that the solution to Burundi’s political problems can be attained only through inclusive and peaceful engagement.”
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, the AU’s mediator in the ongoing crisis, “will convene an inclusive dialogue that will be attended by all important stakeholders as soon as possible”, the statement said, without giving more specific details.
UN chief Ban Ki-moon had secured a promise of “inclusive dialogue” from Nkurunziza to help end the turmoil during a visit to Bujumbura shortly before the AU mission.
Previous talks mediated by Museveni have failed, with the Burundian government refusing to sit with some opponents who it accuses of involvement in a failed coup last May and of months of violence including grenade and rocket attacks
The AU also called on the international community “to restore the provision of assistance to Burundi as requested by the people of Burundi”.
Nkurunziza has been accused of violating the constitution, as well as the Arusha Accord that brought an end to the country’s 1993-2006 civil war, which left about 300,000 people dead.
One opposition leader, Charles Nditije of the UPRONA party, on Friday cast doubt on the AU delegation’s intent, saying it seemed they had come to “consolidate Nkurunziza in his third term.”
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