Burundi crisis: African Union 'won't allow genocide'

• 2 hours ago
 
• From the sectionAfrica

Image copyrightAFP

Image captionThe government denies there could be a genocide

The African Union, discussing the situation in Burundi, says Africa will "not allow another genocide to take place on its soil".

The UN said it would send a fact-finding mission to Burundi amid fears that violence could spiral into civil war and possible ethnic conflict.

Last Friday, 87 people were killed in clashes in the capital, Bujumbura.

Unrest began in April when President Pierre Nkurunziza announced he would seek a third term in office.

He survived a coup attempt in May, and secured a third term in disputed elections in July.

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AU Peace and Security Commissioner Smail Chergui has tweeted that the "clear" message coming from the AU is that the "killings in Burundi must stop immediately".

The government has said there is no threat of genocide.

The AU's peace and security council has been discussing sending an AU force to Burundi.