Belgium: OIF deplores presidential election conditions in Burundi

Brussels, Belgium (PÀNA) – The Secretary General of the International Francophonie Organization (OIF), Mrs Michelle Jean, has deplored the conditions in which Burundi conducted presidential election on 21 July, "marked by political tensions and breaches to the freedom of opinion and speech," according to a communique issued Thursday by the organisation in Brussels.

"The absence of dialogue and inclusiveness seriously compromised the peace and national reconciliation goals which are at the heart of the Arusha Agreement," she said.

Mrs Jean has urged restraint by political actors, underlining the urgency to reopen the political dialogue in Burundi with a view to get out of the present deadlock.

In addition, she stressed the need to take all appropriate measures to guarantee the security of the people and the full respect of human rights.

In the communiqué, OIF reaffirmed its commitment to work together with other international and regional partners for a sustainable solution to the Burundian crisis.

Informed sources said that at its 95th session, the Permanent Francophonie Council decided to place Burundi under observation.

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