Bujumbura — Catholic bishops have appealed to politicians to tone down their hostile rhetoric that is polarising the country.

"It is absolutely necessary that the politicians hold their tongues and stop making speeches aimed at dividing the citizens; that they place dialogue and the priority of the population above all else," the bishops said at the conclusion of an extraordinary assembly in the capital, Bujumbura.

The Catholic news agency MISNA reports that the assembly addressed the political crisis holding the nation in a deadlock for weeks. The opposition and some elements of the ruling party have in the past weeks criticised the government reshuffle carried out by President Pierre Nkurunziza, which apparently sidelined the minority parties.

Parliamentary business has been blocked in the past weeks over the crisis, exacerbated last weekend by a series of grenade attacks against the homes of at least five Burundian politicians.

The Bishops openly criticised the leaders of all the political groups for worsening tensions by exchanging accusations in the media.

The prelates also expressed concern over dialogue with the rebels of the PALIPEHUTU-FNL that once again seems stalled, forcing inhabitants of the villages to live in constant frustration and an atmosphere of general insecurity.

On Tuesday, the International Crisis Group issued a new report warning that unless Burundi's government negotiates a genuine peace agreement with last active rebel group in the country, its nascent democracy could yet falter.

ICG said there is need for a negotiated solution with the PALIPEHUTU-FNL to break a dangerous stalemate that could seriously undermine the consolidation of peace and democracy.