Condemning Killing of Former Minister, Secretary-General Reiterates Need for Intensified Efforts to Find Negotiated Settlement of Burundi Crisis

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

The Secretary-General condemns the assassination of Hafsa Mossi, former Burundian Minister for East African Community Affairs and Member of the East African Legislative Assembly, in Bujumbura this morning.  He extends his deepest condolences to Ms. Mossi’s family.  This despicable act of violence only serves to promote divisions, entrench mistrust and destabilize the country.

The Secretary-General reiterates the need to intensify efforts to find a negotiated settlement to the crisis in Burundi and calls on all parties concerned to engage fully and in good faith in the peace process led by the East African Community (EAC).  The United Nations will continue to provide assistance to the EAC-led dialogue process and its Facilitator, former President of the United Republic of Tanzania H.E. Mr. Benjamin Mkapa.