Kampala. The Burundian warring parties will today meet at State House Entebbe for the preliminary stage of the peace talks aimed at averting the country’s degeneration into political violence that has left hundreds dead.
Outgoing Foreign Affairs permanent secretary James Mugume yesterday said the meeting will discuss the agenda of the negotiations that will be mediated by President Museveni.
“The talks begin tomorrow (today) with setting the agenda before the real talks begin,” he said
But Dr Kiyonga, who has been acting as mediator on behalf of President Museveni, could not be reached for a comment.
The talks will be the first step towards ending tension in Burundi after months of political unrest in the capital Bujumbura with the worst killings three weeks ago that left nearly 90 people dead. At least 240 have been killed since Burundi’s crisis began in April with more than 200,000 people having fled the country. The violence was sparked by President Pierre Nkurunziza’s controversial decision to run for a third term in office.
Two weeks ago, the African Union approved the deployment of 5000-strong force but the Burundi government has opposed the decision, saying the deployment of any foreign force to the country would be seen as an act of aggression.
In July, President Nkurunziza was elected with 69 per cent of vote amid violence and boycott by the Opposition.
In the same month, President Museveni was later appointed by the East African Community to mediate the talks between the protagonists but the American government last week said President Museveni has no time to mediate the talks because he “was busy with the campaigns” seeking re-election.
Mr Museveni will take time off his busy campaign schedule to chair the talks. Mr Mugume said if the warring parties agree and finally sign the agreement, it would be witnessed by the EAC.
rkasasira@ug.nationmedia.com
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