Burundi peace talks to resume in Tanzania on July 12th

Burundi peace talks under the facilitation of former Tanzania president, Benjamine Mkapa are schedule to resume on July 12 in Arusha, Organisers said on Saturday.

Mkapa said he is willing to meet Burundians who were not represented in the first dialogue.

A communication Officer with the East African Community (EAC) and organizer of the talks, Richard Othieno said more than 70 politicians and civil society groups from Burundi were expected at the talks.

He added that the 75 participants will include former heads of state,representatives of political parties, religious leaders, civil society organizations, women and youths and representatives of the Burundi Chamber of Commerce.

“Different groups from Burundi have expressed their willingness of showing up and participating in the dialogue, and reports that some will skip the occasion are baseless and unfounded,” said Othieno.

The two-day talks follow the completion of the first round which came to an end in May.

The peace talks from the EAC come amidst reports that some delegates were expected to impede the crucial dialogue, aimed at finding a lasting solution to the political crisis in the tiny central African country.

More than 500 people in Burundi have been killed and over 500, 000 people fled to neighboring countries, mostly Tanzania, Rwanda and the DRC, since the chaos started last year in the capital Bujumbura.

Press Agency