REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, NEW YORK -- The UN Security Council on Wednesday expressed its concern about the growing insecurity in Burundi, urging the country's stakeholders to engage in dialogue to resolve the current crisis.
"The Security Council stresses the importance of convening an inter-Burundian dialogue in coordination with the government of Burundi and all concerned and peaceful stakeholders, both who are in Burundi and those outside the country, in order to find a consensual and nationally owned solution to the current crisis," said a presidential statement released by the 15-nation council.
Reports said more than a dozen people were killed in recent violence in Burundi. On Saturday night, at least four people -- two in the capital Bujumbura and two in the northern province of Ngozi -- were killed in separate incidents.
While condemning all acts of unlawful violence committed in Burundi, the most powerful UN body "welcomes the decision of the African Union to launch an in-depth investigation on the violations and abuses of human rights against individuals in Burundi."
Noting the decision of the African Union to impose targeted sanctions against the Burundian stakeholders whose actions would impede the search for a solution, the council said it will follow closely and respond to any actions that threaten the peace, security and stability of Burundi.
Waves of violence persisted after the re-election of President Pierre Nkurunziza, whose announcement in April to contest for a third term stirred up protests.
The opposition and civil society groups opposed his candidature, arguing that the Arusha Agreement stipulated that a president serves for only two terms.