Team of International Envoys and Representatives on the Great Lakes of Africa Statement on Burundi

Deeply concerned by the worsening political, economic, and security situation in Burundi, the Envoys, following their meeting today in Geneva, call for the immediate resumption of an inclusive dialogue, including those parties which did not participate in recent elections, led by the East African Community with the support of the African Union and the United Nations.

Such a dialogue should be based on and respect the principles of the Arusha Agreement, which, signed fifteen years ago today, has led to more than a decade of peace and stability in Burundi.

The Envoys call on all Burundian stakeholders to reject violence and choose a peaceful path of dialogue to resolve fundamental sources of tension and conflict in the country.

The Team of International Special Envoys includes the Special Envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General to the Great Lakes Region Said Djinnit, African Union Special Envoy Ibrahima Fall, U.S. Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region of Africa Thomas Perriello, European Union Senior Coordinator for the Great Lakes Region Koen Vervaeke, and Belgian Special Envoy for the African Great Lakes Region Frank De Coninck.