African Union urges Burundi to postpone elections over chaos

African Union chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma arrives at a past event. She has urged Burundi to postpone elections over violent protests that has hit the country. AFP PHOTO | ALAIN JOCARD

What you need to know:

  • Dozens have been killed and 40,000 people have fled to neighbouring countries as protests against a third term bid by President Pierre Nkurunziza hit the country.
  • President Nkurunziza said he would seek a third term in office and called for the election body to prepare for elections.

BUJUMBURA

The head of the African Union has said Burundi should consider postponing elections scheduled for May and June until it deals with political instability in the country.

Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma told the CCTV television channel in Addis Ababa that the situation in Burundi could not allow a “conducive election.”

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“What type of election is going to take place under these conditions? As the AU we were planning to send long-term observers but we can’t now. We cannot. Because the environment is not conducive for an election.

“You can’t be going to a country meeting refugees leaving and saying we are going to observe the elections. As things stand I don’t even see how elections can take place under these conditions,” Ms Zuma said.

Dozens have been killed and 40,000 people have fled to neighbouring countries as protests against a third term bid by President Pierre Nkurunziza hit the country.

In an interview on Wednesday, opposition leader Agathon Rwasa told Nation Media Group in Bujumbura that a meaningful election could not be held while protests rocked the country.

PREPARE FOR ELECTIONS

“Due to the current situation, obviously, I don’t see the possibility of holding elections in a tensed mood like this one,” said Mr Rwasa, a former rebel commander of the National Liberation Front (Forces pour la Libération Nationale).

“I think we have to postpone some scheduled elections, like these ones of May, because no one is preparing, except of course the President and the ruling party,” he added.

There was no immediate comment from the government, but in a statement on Wednesday night, President Nkurunziza said he would seek a third term in office and called for the election body to prepare for elections.

“We announce to all affected closely by elections that steps have been taken to enable a peaceful conduct of the election campaign. We once again reassure the national and international community that the electoral process will be free, transparent, inclusive and in a peaceful climate,” the President said.

Meanwhile, one person was killed and at least nine injured as protests continued on Thursday.

Protesters have rejected a constitutional court ruling this week allowing Mr Nkurunziza to contest despite serving the two terms provided for by the constitution.

East African heads of state are scheduled to meet in Dar es Salaam to try to resolve the political crisis in Burundi.

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