Burundi has asked Belgium to extradite several opposition leaders and former government officials who fled the country after conflict broke out over President Pierre Nkurunziza’s decision to serve for a third term.

Attorney-General Valentin Bagorikunda named 13 Burundians who are wanted, including former Speaker of parliament Pie Ntavyohanyuma and former second vice president Gervais Rufyikiri.

Meanwhile, the government has promised to hold an inclusive dialogue and President Nkurunziza has appointed 15 members to the committee, who include three religious leaders, three political leaders and two members of the civil society.

“This process will reach every Burundian stakeholder and it will also be conducted outside the country when necessary,” said Internal Affairs Minister Pascal Barandagiye.

The African Union Peace and Security Council called on the government to conduct the dialogue outside the country to enable all stakeholders to get involved in order to find a lasting solution for the current political crisis in the country.

However, opposition and civil society leaders who are currently in exile expressed fears for their own security if the talks are held in the country.

“We ask the East African Community and the African Union to urge the Burundian government to conduct the dialogue outside the country,” said Vital Nshimirimana, a civil society leader currently in exile after spearheading protests against President Nkurunziza’s third term in office.

Mr Nshimirimana is also among the 13 Burundians who are wanted by the country’s judicial system for alleged crimes committed in April.

READ: High profile Burundian exiles, opposition in new push to unseat Nkurunziza

Sanctions

During the African Union Peace and Security meeting on Burundi, sanctions were pronounced against officials “whose actions and statements contributed to perpetuate violence and impede a search for solutions.”

However, the African Union is yet to reveal the names of officials the sanctions are targeting. The European Union also imposed sanctions on four Burundians, three of whom are in President Nkurunziza’s government and one who is from the opposition.

“The government was surprised that the African Union’s Peace and Security Council proposed sanctions before releasing a joint report mandated by the same council,” said government spokesman Philippe Nzobonariba.

According to the government, at least 140 people have been killed since violence broke out and an October 24 deadline has been set for civilians who illegally own arms to hand them over.

Minister of Public Security Allain Guillaume Bunyoni said more than 150 weapons have been seized so far. by the government during the disarmament operations.

“The African Union has decided to increase the number of human-rights observers and military experts deployed in Burundi to 100,” the African Union Peace and Security Council has said in a statement.

The Burundi government did not welcome the increase.

“We are surprised by the decision to add the number of military observers because this recommendation was done without consultations,” said Mr Nzobonariba.