SA concerned about situation in Burundi

20 December 2015 - 14:27
By Tmg Digital
Kenyans and Burundians living in Kenya hold a vigil in Nairobi to call for an end to killings in Burundi. AFP Photo
Kenyans and Burundians living in Kenya hold a vigil in Nairobi to call for an end to killings in Burundi. AFP Photo

The South African government says it remains deeply concerned over reports of increasing acts of violence and human rights violations in Burundi‚ and notes that the ongoing instability has the potential to impact on the stability and security of the neighbouring countries in the East Africa region.

“The attacks by armed rebels on military bases in and around Bujumbura on 11 December 2015 and resultant deaths have further given rise to serious concern amongst the international community‚ which South Africa shares‚” the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) said in a statement.

 “South Africa wishes to highlight the need for the violence and killings to stop‚ and urges parties to refrain from using inflammatory language that could incite further tensions‚” DIRCO added.

 It urged all the Burundian stakeholders to engage immediately in the all-inclusive dialogue‚ and called for the urgent start of the mediation led by President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda‚ who was appointed by the East African Community (EAC).

 “South Africa supports the urgent strengthening and increased deployment by the AU Peace and Security Council of military‚ human rights and police observers.

 “We furthermore urge donor partners to reconsider their decision to cut funding as it will have a negative impact on the socio-economic situation and worsen the already high poverty levels amongst ordinary Burundians‚” DIRCO stated.

 It added that South Africa‚ as a former mediator in Burundi‚ remained ready and would continue to support the people of Burundi to achieve stability and development.