Stalled mediation on the crisis in Burundi could restart in just over a week’s time, Tanzania’s foreign minister has told RFI. Augustine Mahiga said on Thursday that there were questions about the availability of Burundi’s foreign minister as well as the agenda, composition and venue for the Ugandan-led mediation. Talks to help resolve the crisis in Burundi sparked by President Pierre Nkurunziza’s controversial third term were expected in Arusha, Tanzania on 6 January. However, Burundi’s government said no consensus had been reached on the date. There are also questions about the role of a proposed African Union peacekeeping force which was to be sent to Burundi. In mid-December, the AU gave the government a four-day deadline to accept a force to halt the violence. Authorities in Burundi called it an “invasion force” and Nkurunziza said AU peacekeepers would be attacked if they stepped foot on Burundian soil. The deadline passed and no further action has been taken to deploy the 5,000-strong force. Mahiga told RFI on Thursday that Tanzania’s government thinks there is scope for an AU force to be deployed in Burundi, but only with the consent of Burundi’s government. In a separate interview with RFI on Wednesday evening, Smail Chergui, the AU’s Commissioner for Peace and Security, said the proposed African Prevention and Protection Mission in Burundi (MAPROBU) is intended to stabilise the country, not invade it. Chergui said the AU will further consider options at its disposal as discussions continue to agree on a new date for further dialogue.
Mahiga talks to Richard Sezibera, Secretary General, East African Community in Arusha on 6 January 2016 (L to R).
Photo: Filbert Rweyemamu/AFPStandard
from MOST READ http://ift.tt/1O77o5f
ليست هناك تعليقات:
إرسال تعليق