The U.N special envoy to the Great Lakes region has quit his role facilitating talks between rival factions in Burundi’s political crisis, though he said that he is staying on in his broader regional position, a U.N official said on Thursday. This is according to Reuters.
The facilitator, Said Djinnit has hosted dialogue between the government, ruling party, opposition and the civil society groups to try and resolve the row over President Nkurunziza’s bid for a third term. There has been little signs of progress.
Said has faced criticism from the opposition who claim that he is biased towards the government.
The spokesman for the U.N mission in Burundi, Vladimir Monteiro said that Djinnit had only left his work as a facilitator for the dialogue in Burundi but remains the special envoy.
In a statement on Wednesday the special envoy encouraged Burundi parties to continue with their dialogue with a view of creating safe conditions to conduct free, fair, inclusive and peaceful elections.
Opposition has since accused Nkurunziza of violating the constitution and demanding that he should not run for a third term in office.
The parliamentary votes are now scheduled to take place on June 26. This will be followed by presidential elections on July 15.
More than 20 people have been killed during the clashes in the country and rendered millions homeless
