Despite escalating violence in Burundi, the African Union has decided to defer the deployment of peacekeeping troops to the country.

Burundi has been on edge since Pierre Nkurunziza won a controversial third term last year. At least 900 people have been killed since the government began a crackdown on opposition.

An initial decision by the African Union to send in peacekeepers was met with stiff resistance by Burundi’s government. Burundi maintains that it will treat peacekeeping troops as aggressors.

African Union leaders concluded a two day meeting where a closed door session was held and a decision to defer was taken.

The AU has instead chosen to negotiate with the country’s government before deploying a planned troop of 5,000 soldiers.

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