Kampala-The East African Community Secretariat in Arush last evening called for the postponement of elections in Burundi and also condemned the attempted coup.
The regional leaders say that current upheaval in the country cannot allow for free and fair elections and as such, elections can be postponed to permit both government and opposition time to prepare.
“The Heads of State consulted on the situation in Burundi. At the time they were consulting there were new developments in Burundi. The Summit condemns the Coup in Burundi and calls for the return to Constitutional order.” Reads the statement from Arusha.
It further continues, “Given the situation in Burundi, conditions are not conducive for elections in Burundi and the Summit calls upon the authorities to postpone the elections for a period not beyond the mandate of the current government.”
President Nkurunziza who had been attending the EAC summit attempted to return home last evening but failed to land at Bujumbura Airport as it had been taken over by coup plotters who resisted his landing forcing him to return back to Tanzania.
Eagle Online understands there are conflicting reports indicating State Broadcaster and State House in Bujumbura suburbs are under control of President Nkurunziza loyalist forces while forces loyal to Gen. Niyombare forces claim control of parts of the city and Bujumbura International Airport and central bank. There is confusion as the population seems not to understand who is in charge. Army chief of staff who pays loyalty to Nkurunziza says the coup by Gen. Niyombare has failed.
Below is the EAC statement on Burundi
East African Community
13TH EXTRA ORDINARY SUMMIT OF THE EAC HEADS OF STATE
STATE HOUSE CONFERENCE HALL, DAR ES SALAAM, TANZANIA
MAY 13, 2015
The Heads of State consulted on the situation in Burundi. At the time they were consulting there were new developments in Burundi:
Summit condemns the Coup in Burundi and calls for the return to Constitutional order.
Given the situation in Burundi, conditions are not conducive for elections in Burundi and the Summit calls upon the authorities to postpone the elections for a period not beyond the mandate of the current government.
As the region continues to consult with all stakeholders to make sure that the situation in Burundi normalizes and elections can be held in a free, FAIR and peaceful manner in respect of the constitution of Burundi, the laws of Burundi and the Arusha peace and reconciliation agreement; The summit condemns violence and calls on all parties to make sure that violence stops.
The region will not accept nor will standby if violence does not stop or escalates in Burundi.The Summit reconvene soon to review the situation in Burundi.
EAC SECRETARIAT
ARUSHA TANZANIA
MAY 13, 2015
