AU delegation in Burundi to assess the security situation

A delegation of the Peace and Security Department of the the African Union Commission (AUPSD) arrived in Burundi on Wednesday for a three-day peace mission to assess the security situation in the country.

The #AU Peace & Security Council #PSC has arrived in Bujumbura on a three-day peace mission to #Burundi. pic.twitter.com/UITjjWlOQ2

— African Union Peace (@AU_PSD) June 22, 2016

On their arrival, the AUPSD met with stakeholders of Burundi’s peace process to analyze the situation and find a lasting solution to its problems.

The mission is expected to meet also with the head of state Pierre Nkurunziza, a source told AFP on condition of anonymity. During the three-days, the PSC will also have consultations with government bodies, the opposition and civil society organisations.

Chaired by #Congo's Amb.Lazare Safuesse #PSC will tomoro continue consultations in #Burundi w/ Gov't,Opposition&CSOs pic.twitter.com/y4gPW45SUk

— African Union Peace (@AU_PSD) June 22, 2016

Led by the Permanent Representative of the Congo to the AU, Lazare Makayat Safuesse, the mission met with Burundi’s former President Domitien Ndayizeye who reiterated the need for inclusive dialogue.

#Burundi's former President Domitien Ndayizeye addresses #PSC in Bujumbura; reiterates need for inclusive dialogue. pic.twitter.com/QrKAfNkBrZ

— African Union Peace (@AU_PSD) June 22, 2016

The peace mission of the AU Peace and Security Council follows that of February embarked upon by five African heads of state to the country.

The AUPSD during the crisis in Burundi had advocated for the sending of 5,000 men to end the cycle of violence. This recommendation was not agreed upon by the summit of heads of state in January after vehement rejection by the Burundi government.

Burundi was plunged in a serious crisis when President Nkurunziza announced his candidacy in April 2015 for a third term before he was re-elected in July. The violence claimed more than 500 lives and forced more than 270,000 Burundians in exile.