AU Peace and Security Council winds up field mission to Burundi

Bujumbura, Burundi (PANA) - The Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union (AU) on Wednesday concluded a three-day Field Mission to Burundi reaffirming its commitment to promoting peace and security on the continent and the need to realise a conflict-free Africa as envisioned in Agenda 2063.

The PSC delegation has urged all stakeholders in the Great Lakes Region to prioritise dialogue in pursuance of long-lasting peace and for them to redouble efforts to further enhance collaboration within the PSCF Agreement.

Led by Ambassador Daniel Owassa, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Congo to the AU and the PSC Chairperson for the month of June 2022, the mission was pursuant to the decision of the PSC adopted at its 1078th meeting on 19 April 2022.

The PSC undertook the field mission as an expression of solidarity with the governments and peoples of the countries of the Great Lakes Region.

According to a statement issued at the end of the mission, the PSC was ”warmly welcomed” on arrival by Ferdinand Bashikako, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation of Burundi.

The delegation paid a courtesy call on Burundi President Evariste Ndayishimiye, who graciously provided an overview of the region and shared his vision on the root causes of terrorism in Africa and on the meaningful participation of the youth in carving a prosperous future for the region, and promoting peace, security, stability, and socio-economic development at local, national and regional levels.

During its stay, the PSC held discussions with former Burundi President Domitien Ndayizeze and Chairperson of the AU Panel of the Wise; ICGLR Executive Secretariat; Force Commander of the Extended Joint Verification Mechanism (EJVM); Ambassador Pierre Claver Ndayicariye, the Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Independent; Dr. Sixte Vigny Nimuraba, the Chair of the Independent National Commission on Human Rights and the Diplomatic Corps accredited to Bujumbura.

The PSC paid tribute to the government of Burundi for its troop contribution to AU-led Peace Support Operations and expressed sincere condolences to the government and people of Burundi for the troops who paid an ultimate price in their service to the continent.

-0- PANA AR/RA 22June2022