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The Chairperson of the AU Commission is horrified by the assassination in Burundi of MRs Hasfa Mossi, member of the East African Legislative Assembly

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, is horrified by the assassination in Burundi of Mrs Hasfa Mossi, member of the East African Legislative Assembly and former Minister of Burundi. The assassination of Madam Mossi took place on Wednesday 13 July 2016, in Bujumbura, Capital of Burundi.

The Chairperson strongly condemns this barbaric act that is likely to further destabilise the country. She calls on all Burundians to exercise utmost restraint and to refrain from any acts of retaliation that would only further escalate and complicate the tension in the country.

The Chairperson expresses her sincere condolences to the family of the deceased, and to the people and Government of Burundi, as well as to the East African Legislative Assembly.

The Chairperson stresses that only inclusive dialogue, based on the respect of the Arusha Peace and Reconciliation Agreement and the Constitution of Burundi, can pave the way for a lasting political solution that will help to consolidate and preserve peace, as well as deepen democracy and the rule of law in the country.

The Chairperson commends the efforts deployed by President Yoweri Museveni, East African Community Mediator, with the support of former President Mkapa Benjamin, Facilitator of the ongoing Inter-Burundian Dialogue and urges the Burundian Government, the opposition political parties and civil society to engage faithfully in the inclusive dialogue and work very closely together to find a lasting solution to the current crisis.

The Chairperson reiterates the AU’s commitment to continue working with all parties to help bring back peace and stability to Burundi and end the suffering of its people.

Distributed by APO on behalf of African Union Commission (AUC).