Leading the News:

Burundi -

On December 30th, the African Union (AU) threatened to sanction rival factions in Burundi if they fail to attend the peace talks scheduled to take place in January. AU Commission Chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma warned all those whose action could jeopardize the inter-Burundian dialogue, including attacks by armed groups against government facilities and other targets will be subject to sanctions. Additionally, Chairperson Dlamini-Zuma continued to push Burundian authorities to accept the ramping up of the African Prevention and Protection Mission in Burundi (MAPROBU) to help maintain security.

On December 31st, United Nations (U.N.) Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon welcomed the resumption of talks between Burundian parties in Entebbe, Uganda under the leadership of East African Community (EAC) facilitator Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni. Secretary-General Ban called on all sides to engage in constructive dialogue to prevent renewed violence and collapse into civil war. Since President Pierre Nkurunziza’s controversial decision to run for a third term, the U.N. estimates at least 400 people have been killed and 220,000 Burundians have fled to neighboring countries.