Can talks lead to peace in Burundi?

Burundian leaders have successfully negotiated national crises in Arusha, Tanzania twice since 2000.

Yet, now they’re back there again, hoping to resolve this latest phase of instability.

Government and opposition leaders arrived in Arusha on Saturday for talks.

But the main opposition group has not been invited. And that could mean the peace negotiations fail before they even begin.

Meanwhile, the fighting on the ground is continuing.

Rights groups say targeted assassinations, torture and disappearances have become commonplace.

Hundreds of people have been killed and a quarter of a million have fled from the country since April of last year.

That’s when President Pierre Nkurunziza decided to run for a controversial third term, sparking opposition protests and a wave of violence.

So, after a year of turmoil, can Burundian leaders find a solution? And how does the crisis affect Burundi’s neighbours?

Presenter: Martine Dennis

Guests:

Andrew Wallis – Researcher and author of the book ‘Silent Accomplice: The Untold Story of the Role of France in the Rwandan Genocide’.

Angela Muvumba Sellstrom – Researcher at the Nordic Africa Institute.

Izere Izobukiza – Political activist.

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