AU urges dialogue, consensus in Burundi

The African Union (AU) has reaffirmed the imperative and urgency of dialogue and consensus in Burundi.

Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, chairperson of the AU Commission, continues to monitor the developments in Burundi closely, said a statement from AU on Sunday.

The chairperson the Burundian government and other stakeholders to find a consensual political solution to the grave crisis facing their country.

Dlamini-Zuma said that only a genuine dialogue that addresses all the challenges at hand will make it possible to preserve the important achievements made since the signing of the 2000 Arusha Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in Burundi, deepen democracy and the rule of law, and create conditions conducive to the holding of peaceful, free, fair, transparent, credible and inclusive elections.

She reiterated the calls by AU and the East African Community (EAC) for the Burundian authorities to postpone the elections.

"It is critical that they refrain from any acts likely to deepen the existing divisions, work towards national reconciliation, and place the interests of Burundi and its people above all other considerations," Dlamini-Zuma said.

She reiterated AU's commitment to continue to do everything in its power to contribute to the promotion of lasting peace, security, democracy and stability in Burundi.