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After peaceful elections, UN chief calls for inclusive political dialogue in Burundi

Xinhua, July 23, 2015 Adjust font size:

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki- moon on Thursday called on all parties in Burundi to resume an inclusive political dialogue after the peaceful Burundian presidential elections on July 21, said a statement of the secretary-general's spokesperson.

"The secretary-general takes note of the broadly peaceful conduct of polling in the Burundian presidential elections on July 21. He calls on all parties to continue to remain calm and immediately resume an inclusive political dialogue to resolve their differences and address the challenges facing the country," said the statement.

The political dialogue began on July 15, but three days ahead of the presidential polls set for July 21, Burundi's presidential camp decided to suspend its participation in the dialogue.

The secretary-general reminded the Burundian authorities of their responsibility to guarantee and protect the safety and security of the civilian population and ensure an end to further acts of violence as well as accountability for any human rights violations committed, said the statement.

He also called on the Burundian parties to engage in good faith in the political dialogue putting Burundi's national interests first and fully determined to implement the relevant outstanding provisions of the East African Community (EAC) summit outcome document, under the high-level facilitation of President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, it said.

The United Nations remains committed to working closely with the EAC and African Union (AU) to help find a lasting solution in Burundi, it said.

"In this regard, the Secretary-General welcomes the deployment of AU human rights observers and military experts aimed at helping prevent an escalation of violence and facilitating a peaceful resolution of the serious political crisis affecting Burundi," said the statement.

Burundi was plunged into a political crisis following the announcement by President Pierre Nkurunziza that he would contest for a third term. The opposition and civil society groups opposed his candidature, arguing that the Arusha Agreement stipulated that presidents serve for only two terms.

Results from Burundi's presidential election will be announced Friday. About 72 percent to 80 percent of the country's 3.8 million voters cast ballots Tuesday, according to media reports. Endite