Editor,

RE: "African Union backs away from imposing peacekeepers on Burundi” (The New Times, February 2).

No, there is some lack of seriousness within the African Union. So what’s the relevance of the article in the AU’s charter that allows it to intervene in such crises, whether or not the government in question has agreed?

Are the diplomats waiting for worse situations than what is in reality taking place in Burundi today for the article to be invoked?

No, this needs to be made clear. Honestly, Your Excellences, children, women, the sick, and the elderly ...are dying while others are scattered in refugee camps across the region; can’t you get it?

Even if one has never experienced situations like this, they have at least read it or watched films and documentaries about such atrocities.

Burundians need you – they need your help.

Donna