AU strongly condemns acts of violence in Burundi

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The African Union (AU) has strongly condemned the acts of violence in Burundi.
Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Chairperson of the AU Commission, has learned with dismay of the assassination of Zedi Feruzi, leader of the Union for Peace and Development (UPD) Zigamibanga, and his bodyguard, in Bujumbura, on 23 May, according to a statement from AU on Monday.

African Union headquarters
African Union headquarters

“She strongly condemns this cowardly and odious act, as well as the criminal grenade attack at the Bujumbura central market on 22 May 2015 that killed two people and injured several others,” said the statement.
The Chairperson expressed AU’s heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, and wished speedy recovery to the injured.

“She calls for an independent and credible inquiry to shed light on the criminal acts and bring the perpetrators to justice,” said the statement.
Dlamini-Zuma called on the Burundian authorities urgently to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of the leaders of political parties, as well as of those of civil society organizations and the media.
She recalled the imperative to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms.
The Chairperson stressed that the acts of violence of the last few days, as well as those that have marred the demonstrations organized by the opposition and civil society, have taken place at a time of sustained efforts to overcome the serious crisis facing Burundi.
She noted the consultative political dialogue facilitated by the United Nations Special Envoy for the Great Lakes region, Said Djinnit, together with the representatives of the AU, the East African Community (EAC), the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR).
The Chairperson urged the Burundian parties to demonstrate renewed commitment to find a political and consensual solution to the crisis facing their country, create the necessary conditions for the holding of truly free and transparent elections, and preserve the fundamental achievements made thanks to the Arusha Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in Burundi, of which AU and other international actors are Guarantors.
She reiterated AU’s determination, in close cooperation with the region and other international actors, to continue to do everything in its power to contribute to the speedy resolution of the current crisis.
In this regard, she renewed her appreciation to the AU high- level mission led by Edem Kodjo and including Professor Ibrahima Fall, for its sustained efforts and commitment. Enditem

-Xinhua

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