The South African government is concerned about reports of increased violence and human rights violations in Burundi, the department of international relations and co-operation said on Friday.

The ongoing instability had the potential to impact neighbouring countries in the East African region, spokesperson Clayson Monyela said in a statement.

“The attacks by armed rebels on military bases in and around Bujumbura on 11 December 2015 and resultant deaths have further given rise to serious concern amongst the international community, which South Africa shares.

“South Africa calls for all the Burundian stakeholders to engage immediately in the all-inclusive dialogue, and for the urgent start of the mediation led by President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, who was appointed by the East African Community (EAC),” he said.

Monyela said government supported the urgent strengthening and increased deployment by the African Union peace and security council of military, human rights and police observers.

It urged donor partners to reconsider the decision to cut funding as it would worsen the already high levels of poverty in Burundi.

According to AFP, the AU had agreed to send troops to stop violence in Burundi.

The AU’s peace and security council decided on Thursday to send troops to protect civilians, senior AU official Bonaventure Cakpo Guebegde told the news agency.

Monyela said South Africa, which is a former mediator in Burundi, would continue to support the citizens of the country to achieve stability and development. News24