Leading the News -

Burundi:

On July 19th, representatives of the Burundian Government failed to appear for talks backed by the East African Community (EAC) aimed at ending the unrest caused by President Pierre Nkurunziza’s controversial bid for a third term. Ugandan Defense Minister Crispus Kiyonga, who was acting as mediator, reported the Government’s failure to participate forced the mediation to be adjourned before the presidential election scheduled for July 21st, but stopped short of saying the talks had collapsed. Meanwhile, Burundian Interior Minister Edouard Nduwimana said the Burundian Government skipped the meeting because of statements made by the opposition about the need for democratic institutions, which led government representatives to become skeptical of a coup.