NEW YORK, 25 September 2017-The Secretary-General met with H.E. Mr. Alain Aimé Nyamitwe, Minister of External Relations and International Cooperation of the Republic of Burundi. The Secretary-General expressed condolences over the Burundian refugees recently killed in the Democratic Republic of Congo and hoped that the authorities of both concerned countries will be able to shed light on the tragic incident.

The Secretary-General and Minister Nyamitwe discussed the inter-Burundian dialogue process. The Secretary-General exhorted the Government to seize the current momentum to fully engage in an inclusive dialogue. He reiterated the full support of the United Nations, through his Special Envoy, to the East African Community (EAC)-led facilitation.

The Secretary-General encouraged the Government to address the concerns related to human rights in Burundi and ensure more effective protection of civilians.