Reports reaching us indicate that over 230 persons have been killed and tens of thousands
forced to flee into exile in neighbouring countries as a result of an ongoing political conflict
arising out of disagreement over amendments to the national constitution that became
public in April this year.

ITUC-Africa is seriously concerned that the situation is rapidly deteriorating and worsening
human and security situation in Burundi. We cannot forget the recent history of Burundi and
demand that African leaders work assiduously to prevent a recurrence.
We call on the African Union to prevail on the parties to the crisis to refrain from rhetoric
and actions that incite and escalate violence. Efforts at rapprochement should be scaled up
to get parties involved to agree to effective dialogue that will lead to the cessation of
hostilities and the return to calm, law and order.

We also call on the African Union to complement the dialogue efforts with real and visible
protection measures for the Burundian people, especially those in the capital city
Bujumbura. In essence, we urge the African Union to deploy without further delay its
Humanitarian and Peace Keeping Forces to Burundi.

Burundi MUST NOT be allowed to return to the path of civil war and genocide.

Kwasi Adu-Amankwah

General Secretary