IPU calls for dialogue over Burundi crisis

{Concerned by the violence in Burundi, the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) has expressed its readiness to work with Parliament of Burundi to foster inclusive dialogue.}

“The Inter-Parliamentary Union is gravely concerned about the worsening violence in Burundi, which has left hundreds of people dead and has forced hundreds of thousands to flee their homes,” the organization has said in a communication to the media.

“The Organisation has made clear its readiness to work with the Parliament of Burundi to foster inclusive dialogue. It has urged Parliament to ensure it is part of the solution and not part of the problem,” the communication said.

The organisation said it was particularly concerned by reports of incitement of violence against the opposition, especially the bloody confrontation during the weekend of December 12 to 13.

IPU Secretary General Martin Chungong said urgent work was needed to heal Burundi’s divisions before the situation deteriorated further.

“It is not too late to prevent this unfolding tragedy becoming a catastrophe if all those in positions of leadership and authority commit themselves to a swift return to peace and security for all citizens,” he said.

“We urge the Parliament of Burundi and its members to place themselves at the heart of this process of peacemaking and dialogue, and to lead by example at this critical point in their country’s history.”

Chungong said: “MPs have a unique position as influencers of opinion and representatives of all sectors of society, and that influence must be used for peace. The importance of finding a resolution to this crisis cannot be overstated.”

IPU urged the authorities to do their duty to protect human life and prevent further bloodshed.

Burundi’s parliament on Monday criticised a proposed African Union peacekeeping mission already dismissed by the government as an “invasion force”.

Lawmakers rejected the planned force, which was proposed by the African Union (AU) last week amid growing international alarm over spiralling violence in the tiny central African nation.

In a final declaration, the parliament urged the government “not to mortgage the sovereignty” of Burundi to the AU.

“Burundi is at peace,” said Pascal Nyabenda, chairman of both the National Assembly and the ruling CNDD-FDD party whose supporters dominate parliament.

“There are troubles in just a few areas of Bujumbura,” the capital, Nyabenda said, adding that AU troops were not needed.

The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) is the global organization of national parliaments. It works to safeguard peace and drives positive democratic change through political dialogue and concrete action. Its headquarters are in Geneva, Switzerland.

Source:The New Vision:[IPU calls for dialogue over Burundi crisis->http://www.newvision.co.ug/news/677137-ipu-calls-for-dialogue-over-burundi-crisis.html]