Desperate Diplomacy To Quell Burundian Tensions

On Friday  January 22, high-level meetings between diplomats from the UN Security Council, the Burundian President, the President of the National Assembly, civil society, and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission attempted to resolve the political turmoil that has threatened the stability of the Central African country Burundi. .

The escalation of violence stems from the announcement of President Nkurunziza in April 2015 to run for a third presidential term. Burundi refused to consent to the deployment. Reports from the Delegation of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights both expressed concern as to the “large-scale human rights violations.” The High Commissioner noted that the total number of people killed as of 14 January had been 439 people since April 2015, and thousands have fled to neighbouring countries. The African Union (AU) ordered the deployment of 5,000 peacekeepers to the troubled area in early December after a steady escalation of conflict threatened to explode, which have been given the mandate the predominantly protect civilians, key political leaders and other actors involved in peace talks. The AU has outlined its proposals in the Concept of Operations (CONOPs) for the African Prevention and Protection Mission in Burndi (MAPROBU). The mission has been designed to protect against infiltration from external forces, especially to appease Burundi’s claims that Rwanda has supported rebel groups attempting to infiltrate Burundi. However, President Nkurunziza has insisted that Burundi would not consent to allowing peacekeepers into the country and that his government would attack them if they arrived without permission.

The diplomatic push for a resolution has begun in Burundian capital, Bujumbura, which included high-level officials from the UN Security Council, the East African Community and other African leaders. After the end of civil war charged from ethnic tensions ended in 2005, leaders have concerns that sects within the country are still harbouring resentment and have the capacity to deteriorate the already dire situation. President Nkurunziza told the UN Security Council, “I’m here to guarantee that there will not ever be another genocide in Burunid.” The diplomats have largely been trying to persuade Burundi to accept the AU peacekeeping forces.

However, tensions are accelerating with the announcement by opposition groups within Burundi declaring a general as their leader. The rebel group, FOREBU, announced on Thursday 21 January that General Godefroid Nitombare would lead their efforts to depose the current President. Niyombare previously served as a head of the Burundi Intelligence Service but was dismissed in February 2015 after criticising Nkurunziza’s plans to run for a third presidential term. He also led the failed coup in May 2015.

AU leaders are scheduled to meet next week in Addis Ababa to discuss the situation in Burundi and the UN Security Council has already called for the engagement in non-violent talks for lasting peace.

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