Sunday December 20, 2015
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The Burundian government has said the deployment of African Union (AU) troops to Burundi has to be discussed and agreed by both parties, Burundian Government Spokesman Philippe Nzobonariba has said."Troops cannot be deployed into a country without a prior notification and consent. The AU should rather send troops to Rwandan camps that host Burundian refugees where military training is taking place," said Burundian Government Spokesman Philippe Nzobonariba in a live phone-in program on local radio stations.
He stressed, "If they come altogether, they will be coming to attack Burundi with those AU troops and if they (AU troops) are coming to help, they will disarm them (Burundian refugees) and will forbid them to attack Burundi."
According to Nzobonariba, if AU troops are coming to help, they should be directed to refugee camps hosting Burundians in Rwanda where military training is being provided.
"They should go there (camps) instead of coming to kill agonizing people or preparing the arrival of those planning to attack Burundi," said Nzobonariba.
On Friday, the African Union Peace and Security Council issued a resolution on sending 5,000 troops to prevent violence in Burundi.
Burundi is facing a political turmoil since April when Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza announced his bid for a third term in violation with the constitution, according to the opposition and the civil society.
The latest biggest violence case happened last week in attacks against four military barracks during which at least 87 people including 79 gunmen, four soldiers and four policemen were killed.
Rights groups report that the ongoing political crisis has led to the killing of more than 400 persons and forced some 200,000 persons into exile in neighboring countries.