The United Kingdom has pledged its support to the implementation of the Inter-Burundi Dialogue, saying the talks will help in achieving peace in the troubled East African country.
In a May 24 communication by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) issued by the UK Special Envoy to the Great Lakes Region Danae Dholakia, the envoy also thanked the EAC appointed facilitator, former Tanzanian President Benjamin William Mkapa, for steering the mediation talks in Arusha, held between May 21 and May 24.
‘I congratulate President Mkapa for his clear and even-handed approach, which has provided a strong foundation on which to build. As the President noted in his closing comments, there were some key opposition and civil society representatives who were, for one reason or another, not able to attend. I commend his initiative to hold a further consultative event with opposition and civil society voices unable to come to Arusha, and his commitment to doing this in the next two weeks,’ she wrote.
Ms Dholakia urged the Burundi officials and opposition involved with the peace process to ensure that peace and stability ensues in their country.
‘I strongly support President Mkapa’s call for everyone to give this dialogue a chance to succeed by ceasing all armed and political violence. I sincerely hope that all parties can reach an agreement which provides the basis for sustainable peace and security in Burundi, built on the strong foundations of the Arusha Agreement. The UK stands ready to support the attainment of that goal,’ Ms Dholakia added.
In a related development Mr Mkapa is scheduled to meet and hold talks with President Yoweri Museveni, the EAC-appointed Mediator, to brief him on the progress of the just-concluded dialogue that was attended by over 80 Burundi and international delegates.
Burundi descended into chaos last year, following President Pierre Nkurunziza’s announcement that he would seek a third term.
Since then over 400 people have been killed and thousands have fled the country.
