The complex situation in Burundi was the main center of attention of the XXVI African Union Summit that ends today in this capital.

The meeting that started yesterday had in attendance more than 50 delegations from african countries and the UN Chief, Ban Ki-moon, and also commisioners from the European Union and other international bodies.

The African Union (AU) has decided against sending peacekeepers to crisis hit Burundi after the embattled government said that any such move would be considered an invasion. Smail Chergui, AU commissioner for peace and security, told a press conference here today that a proposed deployment of 5,000 troops would be deferred until permission was granted by Bujumbura.

The decision came after a closed-door session at the AU where African leaders are meeting for this two-day summit.

Chergui said an AU delegation would now fly to Burundi to hold talks aimed at ending the violence in that country.

The UN has warned Burundi risks a repeat of a 1993-2006 civil war, with hundreds killed since April 2015 when President Pierre Nkurunziza announced he would stand for a third term in office. At least 230,000 people have fled to neighbouring countries.

Since Nkurunziza’s re-election in July, clashes between government loyalists and the opposition have turned increasingly violent.

This XXVI AU Summit will end today after also dealing with human rights, and women rights.