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A proposed peacekeeping force for troubled Burundi appeared in doubt Sunday, as African leaders pulled back from sending troops amid vehement opposition from the government.
The UN has warned Burundi risks a repeat of a 1993-2006 civil war. Hundreds have been killed since April 2015, when President Pierre Nkurunziza announced he would stand for a controversial third term in office. At least 230,000 people have fled to neighbouring countries.
Burundi has consistently opposed the idea of the AU’s proposed 5,000-strong peacekeeping mission, saying the deployment of troops without its express permission would be tantamount to an invasion force.
