The Chairperson of the Committee Mr Siphosezwe Masango said it was inspiring that African countries see value in SA’s ability to always come out of sticky situations, and thus tap into the immense political capital, incisive intellect, mediation and negotiations skills we have in SA’s collective leadership.
“Burundi’s peace process is integral to the stability of the Great Lakes Region as a whole. We are happy with the honour the AU has bequeathed on our President, Mr Jacob Zuma, as the facilitator of an inclusive dialogue with government, civil society, organised labour, religious formation and youth, which will lead to an Inter-Burundian dialogue that will bring the volatile political situation of that country to normalcy,” Mr Masango said.
“The Committee feels that President Zuma has been instrumental in stabilising that region, and that he is better qualified to intervene given his role in the Arusha Peace Agreement that ended a civil unrest and ushered constitutional democracy in that country,” he said.
Burundi has been embroiled in political crises after President Pierre Nkurunziza sought a third term. Mr Masango said the trust that the AU vested in the Presidencies of the five regional continental bodies is commendable. “Political stability is critical for peace and economic development in Burundi, and the Great Lakes Region as a whole. Peace and stability in Burundi will stem the tide of migration to the neighbouring countries, thus distressing their economies,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Committee has noted with appreciation the rapprochement between SA and Nigeria as symbolised by President Jacob Zuma’s visit to that country.
For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact:
Name: Sibongile Maputi (Mr)
Tel: 021 403 8041
Cell: 081 052 6060
E-mail: smaputi@parliament.gov.za
