AU threatens to impose sanctions on Burundi

The African Union (AU) has threatened to impose sanctions on Burundi’s warring factions if they do not attend peace talks.

The peace talks which began on 28th December in neighbouring country Uganda amid divisions and protests are aimed at ending months of unrest in the East African nation.

Nevertheless, Burundi has declined a suggested date of 6 January 2016 to resume the talks.

Burundi UnrestBurundi’s unrest broke out in April 2015 when president Pierre Nkurunziza announced his bid for a third term in office.

This move was seen by many as unconstitutional and immediately people took to the streets to oppose his bid.

However, the Burundi’s constitutional court gave the president the nod to seek yet another term in office.

According to the country’s constitution, one can only run for office of the president for two terms. Nkurunziza has led the country since 2005 after the end of civil war that lasted for 11 years.

AU TroopsWith the issue in the country escalating the ‘‘AU’‘:http://www.au.int/en/pressreleases/19520/african-union-welcomes-imminent-commencement-inter-burundian-dialogue#sthash.7UR5A7go.dpuf plans to send 5000 peace keepers to the East African country, a decision that Nkurunziza’s government is against.

The African Union Peace and Security Council approved the sending of troops despite Burundi calling the peacekeeping mission and invasion.

‘‘The AU has no other agenda than to assist the Government and people of Burundi at their hour of need, consistent with its commitment to promote African solutions to African problems,’‘ read a statement by the union.

Nonetheless, the Nkurunziza has said he will not be intimidated by peacekeepers imposed in his country by the AU. Nkurunziza’s government has called this move as a violation of its sovereignty.

Since fighting broke out in Burundi, more than 400 people have been killed and hundreds of thousands have fled the nation to neighbouring countries.

According to reports, bodies of young men are found in the streets of the capital Burundi, on a daily occasion.
‘‘Amnesty International’‘:https://www.amnesty.org/en/countries/africa/burundi/report-burundi/ has stated that the states repression of critical voices has intensified during the year.