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2nd LD Writethru: UN Security Council calls for peaceful solution to Burundian crisis

Xinhua, May 16, 2015 Adjust font size:

The UN Security Council on Friday voiced its "serious concern" over the ongoing unrest in Burundi, and "stressed the urgent need for dialogue and reconciliation" to resolve the current crisis.

"The members of the Security Council called on all parties to exercise restraint, not to resort to violence or retaliatory attacks, to settle disputes peacefully and to prioritize Burundi's peace and stability above all else and in the best interests of the nation," the 15-nation UN body said in a statement issued to the press here.

Burundi was plunged into chaos Wednesday as the former head of Burundi's National Intelligence, Major General Godefroid Niyombare, announced from a radio station that the army had overthrown President Pierre Nkurunziza and stakeholders were working on a transitional government.

Later in the evening, however, Burundian Army Chief of Staff Major General Prime Niyongabo said, "A group of insurgents has attempted a coup," stressing that the situation was under "control."

More than 105,000 people have fled Burundi to neighboring Tanzania, Rwanda and to the province of South Kivu in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, according to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.

Members of the Security Council condemned the violent unrest in Burundi and specifically those who facilitated violence of any kind. They called on the Burundian authorities to address the crisis, while respecting fundamental freedoms and the principles of fair trials and due process.

"The members of the Security Council called for the swift return of the rule of law and the establishment of a genuine dialogue between all Burundians to create the necessary conditions for the holding of peaceful, transparent, inclusive and credible elections in the spirit of the Arusha Agreements, including fundamental freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly," the statement said.

The coup attempt followed 15 days of protests against a third-term bid of Nkurunziza. At least 20 people were killed during the protests, in which protesters said Nkurunziza's third-term bid is a violation of the 2000 Arusha Agreement and the Burundian Constitution.

"The members of the Security Council expressed their intent to respond to violent acts which threaten peace and security in Burundi," the statement said.

The Security Council reiterated their full support of the efforts of the UN Special Envoy to West Africa Said Djinnit, the African Union, the East African Community and the International Conference of the Great Lakes Region, it said.

Earlier Friday, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said regional leaders need to join efforts to help resolve the crisis in Burundi following the coup attempt.

Speaking with Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta over the phone, Ban emphasized the need for leaders in the region to join efforts and the need for inclusive dialogue in Burundi's current situation, UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq told a daily news briefing here. Endi