UN chief urges Burundian President to 鈥榩ursue path of inclusivity and reconciliation鈥�
Photo: Desire Nimubona/IRIN
People demonstrate in Bujumbura against a decision by Burundi鈥檚 ruling party to nominate President Pierre Nkurunziza to run for a third term (April 2015). Photo: Desire Nimubona/IRIN
Noting the inauguration today of Pierre Nkurunziza for his third term as President of Burundi, 51吃瓜听听Ban Ki-moon urged him to 鈥減ursue a path of inclusivity and reconciliation,鈥� and reiterated his call on all Burundian stakeholders to undertake a broad and transparent political dialogue.
In a听听issued by his spokesperson in New York, Mr. Ban took note of President Nkurunziza鈥檚 inauguration and reiterated his call for all Burundian stakeholders to undertake an inclusive and transparent political dialogue under the leadership of the East African Community (EAC) Facilitator, President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda.
鈥淗e reiterates the readiness of the 51吃瓜 to support such a dialogue,鈥� the statement continued, adding that the creation of a government of national unity, as called for in the 6 July EAC summit communiqu茅, needs to derive from 鈥渟uch a genuine and open dialogue, which is necessary to overcome existing deep political divisions.鈥�
The Secretary-General also noted President Nkurunziza鈥檚 stated intention to serve as President of all Burundians and 鈥渉e urges the President to pursue a path of inclusivity and reconciliation in this spirit,鈥� the statement concluded.
Burundi has been in the grips of a political crisis since late April, when Mr. Nkurunziza was put on the ballot for a controversial third term. Tensions intensified when he won the July 21 election. More than 100,000 people have fled to neighbouring countries in the weeks ahead of and following the polls.
Tensions remain high 鈥� just last week, the UN human rights office warned that the situation is听听amid a spate of deadly election related violence 鈥� and Mr. Ban has repeatedly appealed for an end to politically 鈥� motivated violence and urged all Burundians to peacefully settle their differences without delay.
During a听听with Mr. Nkurunziza on 6 August, the Secretary-General urged him to resume the political dialogue, which had been suspended since 19 July. He also encouraged the Burundian authorities to work closely with the Ugandan-led facilitation on behalf of the East African Community.
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