Minister Nicholson Expresses Strong Concern over Crisis in Burundi

OTTAWA, Canada, May 15, 2015/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., M.P. for Niagara Falls, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement:

“We are gravely concerned by the reports of escalating violence in Burundi. Canada calls for calm and asks that all Burundians work together in the interest of peace.

“Canada commends the ongoing efforts, including those of the leaders of the East African Community, who are calling for a cessation of violence by all parties and the restoration of stability in order to allow the safe return of refugees and the holding of elections in a peaceful, free, fair, transparent and inclusive manner.

“With the Arusha Accords, Burundi has closed the dark chapter of a decade of civil war. This chapter must remain closed, and national reconciliation and democratic development must continue to move forward.

“Canada urges the Burundian security institutions to uphold their responsibility to protect the human rights and security of its population. Peaceful dialogue must be restored to ensure open and inclusive democratic space.

“Canadians in Burundi who require emergency consular assistance should contact the High Commission of Canada in Kenya in Nairobi at +254 20 366 3000 or Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada's (DFATD's) 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre at +1 613 996 8885 (collect calls are accepted). An email can also be sent to [email protected].

“Friends and relatives in Canada who are concerned about Canadian citizens in Burundi should contact DFATD's 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre by calling 1-800-387-3124 (toll-free) or 613-996-8885 (collect calls are accepted) or sending an email to [email protected].”