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afrol News, 18 July - The African Union (AU) today added its voice to the concerns about the "unfolding political and security situation in Burundi." Earlier this week, the UN Security Council urged the "rebels to enter ceasefire negotiations." The fragile peace process seems to be failing. The Chairperson of the Commission of the AU, Amara Essy, "follows with serious concern the unfolding political and security situation in Burundi characterised by increased armed violence and wide differences between the political parties signatories to the Arusha Peace Agreement," a statement of today reads. Essy says that, "the prevailing situation, if care is not taken, is likely to cast doubts on the consensus upon which the Arusha Peace Agreement and the Transition Institutions have been built, thereby jeopardising the chances of peace and stability in that country." On the eve of the ceasefire negotiations slated to take place in Dar-es-Salaam, Essy was calling upon all the stakeholders "to exert utmost effort to put an end to the violence." The head of the African Union today also urged all the parties signatories to the Arusha Peace Agreement "to iron out their differences through dialogue and in the spirit of compromise, and to refrain from any action capable of undermining the consensus upon which the Agreement and the resultant transition Institutions have been built". He further invited all the concerned parties "to effectively take part in the ceasefire negotiations." On Tuesday, also the UN Security Council had discussed the fragile situation in Burundi. The Council was voicing "firm support" for Burundi's transitional national government and appealed to rebels fighting in the country "to enter into ceasefire negotiations." In a statement to the press following closed-door consultations, the Council President, Ambassador Jeremy Greenstock of the United Kingdom, said the members also expressed continuing support for "the whole Arusha process" which led to the accord on Burundi, and underlined their "stern warning against any attempts by others to undermine the present coalition." The UN Security Council was also voicing "strong concern" about the current humanitarian situation and the risks for returning refugees. It also appealed to donors to "deliver on their funding promises" and urged the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to move quickly to provide post-conflict assistance to the country. On Tuesday, fighting had been reported in Burundi's central province of Gitega between Hutu rebels and government troops trying to block their infiltration from Tanzania. Burundi's Defence Minister Cyrille Ndayirukiye, on Saturday claimed Tanzania was providing the rebels with materiel, logistical aid, and training. The Burundian government claims infiltration was via the lake and across the River Maragarazi that borders the two countries. Rebels were now able to walk across sections of the river because of the dry season, the government claims. Tanzania's Minister of Foreign Affairs Jakaya Kikwete has dismissed the Burundian claim as "laughable", noting that a huge Burundi refugee population burdened the country. It was therefore in Tanzania's interest to find a peaceful end to the Burundian conflict. Burundi's claims against Tanzania have not been confirmed by any other sources.
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