{ {{Burundi’s National Radio on Monday reported violence was spreading countryside after gunmen attacked civilians in northern Ngozi province, amid an escalation of political violence after a disputed re-election of President Pierre Nkurunziza in July this year.}} }
The east African country has been gripped by street violence, grenade attacks and mysterious killings of both members of opposition and ruling party since President Nkurunziza announced in April that he would seek a controversial third term in office.
On Monday, the European Union invited Burundi’s government to talks in an attempt to restore peace, as violence threatened to get out of hand. Eight people died between Sunday and Monday.
National radio reported further violence, including the killing of a police officer, armed attack on a police station and a man killed in a grenade blast at a bar, both in the capital, Bujumbura. At least two other men were killed in districts of the city.
“The EU is requesting consultations with Burundi under procedures in the EU-African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States Partnership Agreement, a pact for development cooperation, the statement from EU said Monday. The EU said the invite comes “in the event of failure to respect essential elements of the agreement, namely human rights, democratic principles and the rule of law.”
Thousands have died in violence in Burundi since April and some of the dead were found with their hands tied behind their back or their bodies showed other signs of torture, according to the United Nations.
Opponents say Nkurunziza’s re-elections violets the country’s constitution and the spirit of the Arusha Accords that limits Burundi’s presidents to only two terms. The Arush Agreement deal ended a 13 year civil war between Tutsi dominated army and Hutu rebels who were fighting for a larger representation within the government.
The “opening of consultations” is part of the EU’s action to support the international community’s efforts “to achieve a lasting political solution through an inclusive inter-Burundian dialogue,” the EU said. Consultations, which it proposes be held in Brussels, should begin within 30 days of the invitation, it said.
“The objective of the talks is to find a solution acceptable to all the parties and identify the measures to take to redress non-respect of the accord,” a statement further said, citing the provisions of the Cotonou agreement.
The Cotonou agreement is the framework for the 28-nation EU’s economic and development ties with African, Caribbean and Pacific countries.
EU aid promises for 2014-20 amount to €432m, in part to help the country recover from a horrific civil war which left at least 300 000 dead.
The UNHCR warned last week of a “rapidly worsening” situation, with nearly 200 people killed since late April. Tens of thousands of people have fled.
Great Lakes Voice
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