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East African peacekeeping force says ready to be deployed to Burundi

Xinhua, September 15, 2015 Adjust font size:

The East African Standby Force (EASF) has said it's ready to be deployed to Burundi which has suffered months-long unrest if the African Union (AU) gives the order.

The remarks came at a press conference held on Monday by the African Union's regional peacekeeping force in its headquarters, the Kenyan capital Nairobi.

"For EASF to deploy, there is a process to follow which must be decided by the AU Peace and Security Council and endorsed by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government," said EASF Director Chanfi Issimail.

The 11-year-old EASF, with a strength of 5,000 soldiers from ten East African nations, has the full operational ability to contain civil conflicts in the region when required, Issimail said.

Burundi has been in unrest since April when President Pierre Nkurunziza decided to run for, and later won, a third term in office.

Opponents say the re-election violates the constitution that limits presidents to a maximum of two terms.

Clashes between protesters and police have caused dozens killed with a coup attempt thwarted.

A senior army general and aide to the president, and a spokesman for an opposition party were killed in attacks after the election.

Army Chief of Staff Prime Niyongabo last week survived an assassination bid as assailants raided his convoy on a road in the capital, killing three soldiers guarding him. Enditem