The Elders welcome the planned resumption of the Inter-Burundian Dialogue as part of ongoing efforts to resolve the current crisis in Burundi, under East African Community facilitator Benjamin Mkapa.
The Elders stress the importance of attending the upcoming talks and urge all participants to cooperate and negotiate in good faith.
The Elders recall the role of their founder Nelson Mandela in negotiating the 2000 Arusha Agreement, which has formed the basis for Burundi’s post-civil war settlement. The Elders therefore stress the importance of retaining the spirit of the Arusha Agreement, and the need for dialogue and compromise in the interests of a secure and stable future for the people of Burundi.
Kofi Annan, Chair of The Elders, said:
“I have been deeply concerned by the deterioration in the situation in Burundi over the past year, and by the increased use of violence on all sides of the conflict. Any long-term solution will require a willingness from both the government and opposition groups to come to the negotiating table, and a commitment to finding a peaceful and inclusive resolution to the current conflict.”
