The Burundian government has said it will not take part in the peace talks scheduled to resume in Tanzania on Thursday, although the main opposition alliance has confirmed that it will attend.
The talks are aimed at ending a violent political crisis that has dodged the country since April 2015 after President Pierre Nkurunziza declared his bid for a controversial third term in office, one that he went on to win in the July poll.
The country’s opposition accused the president of violating the constitution.
“The government of Burundi finds some irregularities in the organization of this present session,” a government statement said on Wednesday. Spokesman Phillipe Nzobonariba said the government objected to the presence of senior U.N. adviser Benomar Jamal, but did not issue any reasons.
The government has repeatedly accused the U.N. of bias against it after several human rights groups have said the security forces and ruling party have committed abuses.
The main opposition grouping, CNARED, said it would attend the talks although it has previously accused mediator Benjamin William Mkapa, a former president of Tanzania, of bias.
The violence has killed hundreds and forced thousands to flee their homes.
