AU decides to deploy African mission in Burundi

The African Union (AU) has decided to deploy an African mission in Burundi,said an AU statement later Friday.

The initial strength of the mission will be 5,000 personnel. The decision was made by the AU Peace and Security Council (PSC) during its meeting held Thursday on the current situation in Burundi.

On the basis of the preparatory work undertaken within the framework of the contingency planning carried out by the Commission in pursuance of the relevant provisions of previous decisions, the Council has decided to authorize the deployment of an African Prevention and Protection Mission in Burundi (MAPROBU), for an initial period of six months renewable.

MAPROBU is mandated to prevent any deterioration of the security situation, monitor its evolution and report developments on the ground; contribute, within its capacity and in its areas of deployment, to the protection of civilian populations under imminent threat.

It is mandated also to contribute to the creation of the necessary conditions for the successful holding of the inter-Burundian dialogue and to the preservation of the gains made through the Arusha Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in Burundi.

The mission will also facilitate, in collaboration, with other international actors, the implementation of any agreement the Burundian parties would reach, including, but not limited to, the disarmament of militias and other illegal groups.

The mission will integrate the human rights observers and military experts deployed to Burundi in pursuance of the relevant decisions of Council, and that it shall be placed under the authority of the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the Commission.

The Council urged the international partners to provide the necessary technical, financial and logistical support to facilitate the early deployment of MAPROBU and the effective implementation of its mandate. Endit