BUJUMBURA August 29th (ABP) – A third advisory meeting of the Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union and the political bodies of the regional economic communities and regional mechanisms (RECs/RMs), was held on Monday August 28, 2023 in Bujumbura. It was honored with the presence of the First Lady of Burundi, Angeline Ndayishimiye, chairperson of the Africa First Ladies Peace Mission (MIPREDA).
In her speech, Mrs. Ndayishimiye, on behalf of MIPREDA, commended the dedication, and the sacrifice demonstrated by the PSC and the RECs/RMs, in the prevention, management and resolution of conflicts and especially in the improvement of living conditions of African peoples.
Furthermore, MIPREDA is determined to maintain permanent contact with the PSC as well as with the REC/RM in matters of peace and security. It is also willing to work with them in humanitarian areas to alleviate the suffering faced by the peoples of Africa, she revealed.
According to Mrs. Ndayishimiye, the holding of those discussions in Bujumbura testifies that they value the role of MIPREDA on the scene of peace and security on the African continent, in harmony with their legitimate ambition to silence the guns. She added that the remarks and observations addressed to MIPREDA, which she has chaired since May this year, are relevant.
In her capacity as Chairperson of MIPREDA, she implores that the diplomatic channel be privileged to resolve the crisis that Niger is going through. Thus, she has seized the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of the AU PSC, calling for inflicting on Niger, sanctions which do not directly affect the welfare and lives of innocent citizens.
Ambassador Willy Nyamitwe, representative of Burundi to the African Union (AU), indicated that the nature of that meeting is a kind of work sharing and collaboration so that they can have a common roadmap. During the month of August, he added, Burundi holds the Chairpersonship of the AU Peace and Security Council, which means that Burundi is responsible for peace and security on the African continent during August.
With regard to the case of Niger, Burundi in its capacity as chairperson of the AU PSC has preferred to promote the ways of dialogue and negotiation for that country to find peace, the path of democracy, the representative of the Burundi to the African Union insisted.