Secretary-General, Concerned Over Situation in Burundi, Supports Consideration of Election Delay

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General continues to follow closely developments in Burundi.  He commends the efforts of the Joint International Facilitation Team, comprising the East African Community, the African Union, the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region and the United Nations, to assist the Burundian parties to reach consensus on the way forward to ensure peaceful and credible elections in their country.

The Secretary-General, deeply concerned over the prevailing political and security environment in Burundi, appeals to the Burundian authorities to seriously consider the proposal put forward by the Joint International Facilitation Team to postpone the elections further in order to create a conducive environment for inclusive, peaceful and transparent elections, in line with the recent decisions of the African Union Peace and Security Council and the Summit of the East African Community. 

The Secretary-General reiterates his appeal to all Burundian political leaders to address the current political crisis through dialogue in the larger interest of the people of Burundi, in order to consolidate peace and security and further strengthen national reconciliation.