The Secretary General of the East African Community (EAC) Dr. Richard Sezibera has said that attainment of peace and stability in Burundi amounts to peace and stability in the entire region and urged regional and international leaders to engage the country to restore calm.  

In a statement released Thursday, Sezibera said that the secretariat wishes the people of Burundi free, fair and peaceful elections and called upon all friends of Burundi to offer their support for the success of the electoral process.

He reminded political actors in Burundi of the code of good conduct which they signed on March 9, 2015 committing to refrain from violence during elections.

"The Secretary General notes with concern that some Burundians are seeking refuge in neighbouring countries due to fear of election related violence,” reads the statement.

"He commended partner states that receive them and urged the International Community to offer support. He further urged the Government of Burundi and all actors to ensure that the electoral process does not lead to a humanitarian crisis.”

Thousands of Burundians, mostly children, have fled to Rwanda ever since political tensions started simmering in Bujumbura a month ago. By Friday, government had registered 24,029 refugees.