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EAC lawmakers appeal to Burundi on peace

Xinhua, November 24, 2015 Adjust font size:

The East African Legislative Assembly Monday called on the Burundian government and citizens to do all it takes to restore peace and calm in the country.

Speaker Daniel Kidega said the Assembly regrets the current deteriorating situation in the country that has led to loss of lives and damage of property.

Burundi drifted into political violence since President Pierre Nkurunziza announced his bid for a third term in office.

About 200,000 Burundians have taken refuge in neighboring countries because of the violence and a spiralling crisis.

"We must prevent a situation that would see the country further degenerate and slide into anarchy," said Speaker Kidega.

He commended the steps taken by the East African Community (EAC) heads of state towards mediation but appealed leaders to up the momentum on the matter.

President Barack Obama Monday slapped sanctions against four top current or former security officials in Burundi, who were linked to the country's descent into violence.

The US action imposes visa restrictions on the four and blocks their US assets, according to a White House statement.

The four include two current members of Nkurunziza's government and two former members who led a coup attempt in May, who are namely public security minister Alain Guillaume Bunyoni, deputy director of the national police Godefroid Bizimana, former intelligence chief Godefroid Niymombare and former defense minister Cyrille Ndayirukiye.

Last week, the East African Civil Society organization Forum petitioned the regional assembly asking it to urgently undertake deliberate actions to contain the situation in Burundi.

Kidega said in the due course the lawmakers will process the petition. Endit