UN chief calls on Burundian leaders to resume dialogue

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called on Friday all Burundian leaders to show their vision to resume dialogue with their rivals and look beyond political differences.

"Today, Burundi marks the 15th anniversary of the initial signing of the Arusha Peace and Reconciliation Agreement in Tanzania," said a statement released by Ban's spokesperson.

"This process gave birth to the first generation of Burundians with no direct experience of war since independence," it added.

The UN chief said he hopes that "all of Burundi's political leaders, including those in exile, will find common cause and show their commitment to build on the peace and stability that the Arusha Agreement has brought to the country," it said.

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.

In late July, Nkurunziza won his third term in a controversial presidential election.

Arusha Peace and Reconciliation Agreement was signed on Aug. 28, 2000 by 13 of the 19 warring parties of Burundi. The agreement contains five protocols on the nature of the conflicts, democracy and good governance, peace and security, reconstruction and development and guarantees on agreement implementation. Enditem