Buhari Preaches Dialogue In Resolving Burundi Political Crisis

Posted by African Examiner Latest Headlines, News Tuesday, April 5th, 2016

President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday urged the people and government of Burundi to explore dialogue in resolving the lingering political differences in the country.

Mr. President, made the appeal when he received the former Burundian President, Pierre Buyoya, at the State House.

Buhari that pledged Nigeria would continue to support peace processes in the continent through the African Union (AU), which had already intervened in Burundi political row.

The President said since President Pierre Nkurunziza rejected the proposal of a ‘‘stabilizing force from the AU, we can’t impose it on him, but we will continue to opt for dialogue.’’

‘‘Nigeria has been playing a key role in the continent through the AU. We participated fully in ensuring a truce in Mali, and we want citizens to enjoy the impact of the truce, although the terrorists are not helping matters.

‘‘Nigeria is always committed to regional and continental peace, and we will continue to do our best’’ the President restated.

The incumbent President told Buyoya who is the High Representative of the AU Mission to Mali and the Sahel, that he remained hopeful that there would be an amicable solution to the situation in Burundi.

The former President in his remarks, commended Nigeria for the role it played in restoring peace to Mali, adding that the AU was working to promote security in the Sahel, particularly through fighting trans-border terrorism.

He also requested Nigeria to use its clout to work for peace in his country, warning that Burundi “is gradually inching towards a civil war.”