UN Security Council promises response to threats to peace in Burundi

The UN Security Council says it follow closely and respond to any action that threatens the peace, security or stability of Burundi.

The 15-Member body made this stand known in a statement issued in \new York on Friday night.

The statement noted that the up-coming elections were extremely sensitive and had the potential to spur violence and undermine the peace sustained for almost a decade in Burundi, in the spirit of the Arusha Agreement.

The Security Council called on all political parties to prioritise the preservation of Burundi’s fragile and hard-won peace.

It welcomed Ban Ki-Moon’s engagement, of UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein and, President Kikwete.

Others are AU Chairperson Dlamini-Zuma, UN Electoral Mission in Burundi (MENUB), the Burundi configuration of the Peace Building Commission with Burundian authorities.

The council took note of Wednesday’s statement by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, expressing concern at the rising tensions.

The council stressed the need for the government and political opposition to refrain from any acts of violence and intimidation before, during, and after elections.

It also said that it would actively support the conditions for peaceful, timely, credible and inclusive election process.

In this regard, the council condemned the Wednesday assassination attempt on the wife of opposition leader Agathon Rwasa.

Members also expressed concern about the impact of this situation on the region, including reports of increased Burundian refugee flows into Rwanda by persons who cited a fear of violence.

They took note of Burundian government officials’ commitment to hold free, credible, peaceful and transparent election according to the electoral calendar and called on them to make good on this commitment.

The council recalled that during its March 13 visit to Burundi, many civil society organizations and members of the political opposition warned of the likelihood of elections-related violence and the need for all parties to abide by the non-violence charter of March 9.

It called on all parties to address any elections-related concerns peacefully. (NAN)