The United States’ Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region of Africa, Thomas Perriello is expected to visit some countries in the region including Rwanda, Tanzania, DRC, Burundi and Ethiopia.
The statement released by the US state department indicates that the visit is meant to support the program of resolving the Burundi conflict and preparation of the impending elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
“USA supports reconciliation in Burundi which was initiated in December 2015 and has called on involved parties to continue peace talks unconditionally,” reads part of the statement.
US argues that talks between all involved parties is a way of solving the Burundi crisis as well as respecting the Arusha Peace accords.
It is expected that Thomas Perriello will hold talks with Burundi and East African leaders with the aim of seeking ways of securing talks and transferring them in Arusha.
Regarding DRC elections, US says it supports respecting the constitution .Thomas is supposed to meet DRC leaders over upcoming elections, respect of human rights and reach a consensus on how to address illegal trade of DRC natural resources.
The visit will end in Addis Abeba, Ethiopia, where Thomas will meet another American delegation that will participate in the African Union Summit.
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