Burundi’s political rivals gather in Uganda to try to negotiate an end to violence

ENTEBBE, Uganda _ Representatives of Burundi’s government and the opposition are in Uganda for negotiations aimed at ending political violence. Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza, whose decision to run for election to a third term triggered the bloodshed, wasn’t present at the opening ceremony Monday.

Ugandan Defence Minister Chrispus Kiyonga is mediating the talks under the banner of a regional bloc known as the East African Community.

Hundreds of Burundians have been killed since April as the government’s opponents and supporters target each other in gun, grenade and rocket attacks. Nkurunziza won the presidential elections. Representatives of Burundian civic groups say they hope the talks will end with his resignation, though that possibility seems very remote.

The Associated Press