EAC appoints new mediator for Burundi crisis talks

The East African Community (EAC) has appointed former Tanzanian President Benjamin Mkapa to facilitate and expiate talks between rival factions in the Burundi's political crisis.

EAC Heads of State announced the decision at the regional summit held in the Tanzania's northern safari capital of Arusha.

The retired Tanzanian leader will discharge his duties under the leadership of Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, according to EAC chairman, President John Magufuli.

"This was suggested by fellow presidents so as to deliberately speed up the end to the crisis in Burundi," revealed Magufuli.

Mkapa is well-known in resolving political crisis in the region as he was instrumental in brokering a peace deal in Kenya when the country was engrossed in a post election violence that erupted in 2007.

Burundi is facing a political crisis that broke out in April 2015 following the announcement by Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza that he would be seeking a third term.

His candidature, which was opposed by the opposition and civil society groups, resulted into a wave of protests, violence and even a failed coup on May 13, 2015.

Over 400 people are reported to have been killed since then. Enditem