The 17th East African Community Summit (EAC) that took place recently in Arusha, Tanzania confirmed the region's commitment to pursue a mediated inter-Burundian dialogue.

The designation of the former President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Benjamin W Mkapa, to facilitate the activities of the EAC mediator President Museveni, should give a much-needed and urgent boost to inclusive inter-Burundian dialogue without preconditions, as underlined by the high-level African Union delegation who recently visited Burundi.

The decision to deploy 200 African Union observers in Burundi is also a step in the good direction.

The EU will follow closely the pursuit and implementation of measures to reduce tensions, which were recently announced by the Government of Burundi.