Issued by: The Department of Foreign Affairs
The South African Government wishes to voice its serious concern regarding the security situation and lack of stability in Burundi and is deeply shocked by the latest massacre of over one hundred people including women and children near Bujumbura, which increased the number of persons reportedly killed in armed clashes since the new year to over 300.
In the light of this serious situation in Burundi, the South African Government welcomes the decision by the OAU to urgently dispatch a high-level mission to that country, composed of representatives of three member States of the Central Organ of the OAU Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution, led by Ambassador Makombe of Zimbabwe. In addition to visiting Burundi, the Mission would also visit Uganda and Tanzania in order to consult with the respective leaders and to emphasise the need for the Arusha peace process to resume its activities aimed at bringing about a just and peaceful solution in Burundi.
The South African Government wishes to express its strong support for both the OAU mission and the regional Arusha peace process, which is led by Mwalimu Nyerere. South Africa, through its Special Envoy on the Burundian issue, Ambassador Welile Nhlapo, will continue to play an active role in international efforts aimed at bringing about national reconciliation and lasting peace in Burundi.
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS PRETORIA 14 JANUARY 1998