President Muhammadu Buhari has asked the people and Government of Burundi to explore dialogue in resolving the current political differences in the country.
The President, who received the former Burundian President, Mr. Pierre Buyoya, at the State House, assured that Nigeria would continue to support peace processes in the continent through the African Union (AU), which had already intervened in Burundi.
The President said since President Pierre Nkurunziza rejected the proposal of a “stabilizing force from the AU, we can’t impose it on him, but we will continue to opt for dialogue.
“Nigeria has been playing a key role in the continent through the AU. We participated fully in ensuring a truce in Mali, and we want citizens to enjoy the impact of the truce, although the terrorists are not helping matters.
“Nigeria is always committed to regional and continental peace, and we will continue to do our best.”
The President said that he is hopeful that there would be an amicable solution to the situation in Burundi.
The former President of Burundi, who is the High Representative of the AU Mission to Mali and the Sahel, commended Nigeria for the role it played in restoring peace to Mali.
He said that the AU is working to promote security in the Sahel, particularly through fighting trans-border terrorism.
He advised Nigeria to use its clout to work for peace in Burundi, saying: “country is gradually inching towards a civil war.” [myad]
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