Tanzanian mediator pledges to meet all players in Burundi crisis

Tuesday, May 24, 2016
ARUSHA Tanzania: Leading facilitator of the Inter-Burundi Dialogue, former Tanzanian President Benjamin Mkapa on Monday promised to meet all stakeholders who did not attend the Arusha meeting In a statement, Mkapa confirmed that he will be able to meet all the stakeholders who were invited to attend the Arusha Dialogue and was not able to come due to various reasons.

"The dates and venues will be communicated in due course.

The facilitator regrets their absence and notes that their participation will add value to the dialogue," a statement reads in part.

The Inter-Burundi Dialogue resumed on May 21 in Arusha under the leadership of former president Benjamin Mkapa, as the facilitator of the process.

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The office of the facilitator said that invitations to attend the dialogue was extended to a broad spectrum of stakeholders including government officials, all former heads of state, the National Commission for Inter-Burundi Dialogue (CNDI), all political parties registered in Burundi and civil society organizations.

Others include faith based groups, prominent political actors inside and outside Burundi, as well as women and youth groups. Invitation was also sent to the diplomatic community in Tanzania, United Nations, African Union and EAC partner states.

"As of May 22, 2016, there were eighty three (83) Burundians from within and diaspora taking part in the dialogue and more are still arriving," the statement said.

He added that prominent political actors who attended the dialogue included Victor Burikukiye (CNDD-FDD), Gelase Daniel Ndabiraba (CNDD-FDD), Leonard Nyangoma (CNDD), Agathon Rwasa (Independent), Frederick Bavuginyumvira (SAHWANYA- FRODEBU), and Pasteur Mpawenayo (UPD-ZIGAMIBANGA).

Others are Kefa Nibizi (FRODEBU-NYAKURI), Ngayimpenda Evariste (Representing Charles Nditije-Independent), and Jean De Dieu Mutabazi (RADEBU COPA). MSD Party was invited but did not send any representation.

The dialogue also involved National Commission for Inter-Burundi Dialogue, the president and three commissioners, civil society organizations, youth, women and the media, private sector and two representatives, special envoys and representatives of the United Nations, African Union, European Union, special Envoys of the United States, United Kingdom and Belgium, among others.

The office of the facilitator of the Inter-Burundi Dialogue, regretted the continued and persistent misreporting on the ongoing Inter-Burundi Dialogue in Arusha, urging media and other organizations to report objectively on the ongoing talks.

The office also called on media to be partners in promoting peace and stability in the war-torn country, in tandem with the facilitator's mandate.
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