EAC leaders condemn situation in Burundi

Presidents of the East African Community partner states have condemned the situation in Burundi. Meeting at the 13th East African Community Extra Ordinary Summit in Dar es Salaam, the presidents Paul Kagame, Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania, Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya and Burundi’s Pierre Nkurunziza, the meeting aimed at taking action towards a peaceful solution to the situation in Burundi. Sharing the summit’s resolutions following a full day of consultations among EAC Heads of State, Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Ministers for EAC, President Jakaya Kikwete stated that the East African Community “condemns in the strongest terms possible” the situation in Burundi. The Summit urged all parties to end the violence adding that the region “will not accept” and “will not stand by if violence does not stop in Burundi.” The Heads of States pledged to stay close to the situation, adding that the region wants peace and security for the people of Burundi and stability in the region. Burundian refugees share food aid in Mahama Camp. A return to peace could give them hope of a quick repatriation. (File) The Summit agreed to hold another session within the next two weeks to review the situation and take necessary action. The East African Community also called for postponement of elections in a period that should not go beyond the mandate of the current government. Held in Dar es Salaam, the summit was hosted by EAC Chair President Kikwete. Others who attended the meeting included African Union Chairwoman Dlamini Zuma, South Africa’s Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa and Angolan Foreign Minister Georges Chicoti who represented ICGLR Chair, President Edouardo Dos Santos. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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EAC leaders condemn situation in Burundi