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Burundi holds demonstrations against deployment of AU troops

Xinhua, December 26, 2015 Adjust font size:

Several Burundian citizens Saturday participated in nationwide demonstrations against the deployment of African Union (AU) troops into Burundi to prevent genocide or massive killings.

The east African country's top authorities joined citizens in various provinces in the demonstrations that took place at chief towns of the country's 18 provinces.

In the capital Bujumbura, Burundian First Vice-President Gaston Sindimwo who joined hundreds of people in the demonstration said, "No foreign soldier will step his foot on the Burundian territory without the authorization of the government."

He indicated that the demonstration was held to respond to the call by the Burundian Parliament that urged the government to reject the deployment of AU troops into Burundi.

"We held this demonstration to react to the call by the Parliament that rejected the deployment of AU troops into Burundi. We serve citizens and that is why we are here," said Burundian First Vice-President Gaston Sindimwo.

Sindimwo warned politicians who are behind insecurity in Burundi saying, "We will not tolerate them and we will continue to fight against criminals."

In the capital Bujumbura, citizens gathered at the Independence Square in the city center and proceeded to Bujumbura Port.

They had banners saying, "We are against the deployment of AU troops into Burundi."

Others banners said, "There is no war or genocide to justify the deployment of AU troops."

Burundian Second Vice-President Joseph Butore joined citizens in Muramvya province in those demonstrations.

The country's National Assembly Speaker Pascal Nyabenda and Senate President Reverien Ndikuriyo respectively joined citizens in Gitega and Cibitoke provinces in those demonstrations.

On Dec. 17, the African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council issued a resolution on the deployment of 5,000 troops into Burundi to prevent genocide or massive killings.

Since April, with the outbreak of protests against the third term bid of Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza and his controversial re-election in July, violence has left over 400 dead in the east African nation, according to civil society groups. Endit