Thursday, May 07, 2015

Burundi Protests Continue Despite Pierre Nkurunziza Pledge
BBC World Service

Jean Claude Niyonzima, a suspected member of the ruling party's Imbonerakure youth militia, is restrained as a mob gathers around his house, as protests continue against President Pierre

At least four people have been killed in fresh protests in Burundi, witnesses say, after President Pierre Nkurunziza vowed not to seek a fourth term.

A government supporter was burnt alive and an opposition supporter was shot in the head, the witnesses said.

The African Union (AU) has joined the US in urging Mr Nkurunziza to drop his plans to seek a third term at elections due in June.

The unrest is the worst in Burundi since a civil war ended in 2005.

Seventeen people have now been killed in almost daily protests since Mr Nkurunziza announced late last month that he would seek to extend his 10-year rule.

The government has denounced the protesters as "terrorists" who were leading an "insurrectional movement".

The army has failed to end the protests

Witnesses told the BBC that in the latest violence three opposition supporters were killed - two were shot by police while the third was killed in a grenade attack blamed on supporters of the ruling CNDD-FDD party.

A member of the party's youth wing, Imbonerakure, also died after being set on fire by protesters in what appeared to be a revenge attack, the witnesses added.

The violence took place in the capital, Bujumbura, and in Gisozi, a rural area about 50km (30 miles) away.

This is the furthest that the protests have spread, correspondents say.

AU commission chief Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma said elections could not be held in Burundi in the current climate.

"Other than the Burundi court, all interpretation that we get about the constitution is that... really there shouldn't be a third term," she told Chinese broadcaster CCTV.

In a televised address on Wednesday, Mr Nkurunziza called for an end to protests so that the election could go ahead peacefully.

He vowed it would be his last term and said all those arrested would be released if the protests stopped immediately.

Thousands flee

Foreign ministers from four Eastern African states are in Burundi in an attempt to end the crisis.

Last week, the US accused Mr Nkurunziza, a former rebel leader, of violating the 2005 peace accord by seeking re-election.

Burundi's constitutional court ruled on Monday that Mr Nkurunziza can run for a third term.

The ruling came after the court's vice-president, Sylvere Nimpagaritse, had fled Burundi, saying the court had been under pressure to endorse Mr Nkurunziza's re-election bid.

The president's spokesman Gervais Abayeho denied that judges had been threatened or pressured.

Under the constitution, presidents can only be elected to two terms in office but it was argued that his first term does not count as he was appointed by parliament.

The UN refugee agency says that more than 20,000 people have left for neighbouring countries because they fear violence could escalate in Burundi.


4 killed in Burundi anti-government protests

07 May 2015 15:27)

Eyewitnesses told The Anadolu Agency that a member of Burundi's ruling party had been burnt alive by angry anti-government protesters during the clashes in the capital Bujumbura

Four people were killed in Thursday clashes between opposition protesters and Burundian security forces – backed by members of the ruling party's youth wing – in capital Bujumbura, according to local sources.

Clashes erupted Thursday between Burundian security forces and supporters of President Pierre Nkurinziza on one hand and the latter's opponents on the other, local sources have said.

Eyewitnesses told The Anadolu Agency that a member of Burundi's ruling party had been burnt alive by angry anti-government protesters during the clashes in the capital Bujumbura.

A source from Burundi's Red Cross organization, meanwhile, told AA that an opposition protester had been killed and nine others injured after renewed clashes erupted between protesters and security forces, the latter of whom were backed up by members of the ruling party's youth wing.

Two other protesters were killed after grenades were hurled by Nkurinziza supporters at an opposition protest, eyewitnesses said.

Witnesses told AA that the clashes had broken out after a pro-Nkurinziza protester threw a hand grenade at a group of demonstrators, after which security forces began firing live ammunition into the crowd.

The Burundian government, for its part, has yet to comment on the incidents.

Burundi has been rocked by turmoil since late April, when the ruling National Council for the Defense of Democracy (CNDD-FDD) named Nkurunziza – in power since 2005 – its candidate for June presidential polls.

Burundi has been rocked by protest since late April, when the ruling National Council for the Defense of Democracy (CNDD-FDD) named Nkurunziza – in power since 2005 – its candidate for June presidential polls.

At least 18 people, including two policemen, have been killed – and more than 100 injured – since protests erupted in late April.

Around 400 people have also been jailed since the protests broke out, according to figures released by the Burundian authorities.

According to Burundi's constitution, the president can serve only two terms in office.

But in late March, in a move that ignited controversy across the central African nation, Nkurunziza proposed a constitutional amendment that would – if ratified – allow him to run for a third presidential term.

Despite parliament's rejection of the proposal, the bill, according to the country's laws, can be brought before the assembly for a second vote.

Critics say a third-term run by Nkurunziza would violate the terms of the 2000 Arusha agreement, which – along with ending a Hutu-Tutsi civil war – stipulated that Burundi's president should serve no more than two terms in office.


 Burundi clashes as African Union warns against election

07 May 2015 21:50
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/world/burundi-clashes-as/1832298.html

At least four people were killed in Burundi Thursday in clashes over the president's bid for a third term, as the African Union warned it was not possible to hold an election under such conditions.
BUJUMBURA: At least four people were killed in Burundi on Thursday (May 7) in clashes over the president's bid for a third term, as the African Union warned it was not possible to hold an election under such conditions.

Two were shot by police amid battles between demonstrators, police and government supporters, thought to be members of the ruling party's Imbonerakure militia. The Red Cross said one person had been killed by a grenade, another burned body was seen by an AFP journalist.

At least 17 people have been killed, including protesters and police, and scores wounded since late April, when the ruling CNDD-FDD nominated President Pierre Nkurunziza to stand for re-election, triggering daily protests.

AU Commission chief Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma warned Thursday the time was not right for elections.

"The environment is not conducive for an election. You can't be going into a country meeting refugees leaving, and saying 'We are going to observe the elections,'" Dlamini-Zuma told Chinese broadcaster CCTV. "As things stand, I don't even see how elections can take place under these conditions."

Opposition parties and civil society groups say Nkurunziza's third-term quest violates both the constitution, which limits a president to two terms in office, and the accords that ended a 13-year civil war between Tutsis and Hutus in 2006.

Nkurunziza, a former rebel leader from the Hutu majority who has been in power since 2005, has come under intense international pressure to withdraw from the June 26 election.

East African leaders are to hold an emergency meeting to discuss the crisis on May 13 in Tanzania.

On Thursday, one suspected Imbonerakure member narrowly survived being lynched before being rescued by the army, and a second pro-government militia member was left seriously wounded after being attacked by protesters. He was rescued after the army fired in the air to disperse the angry mob trying to kill him.

'ENOUGH CRISES'

"What type of election is going to take place under these conditions? As the AU we were planning to send long-term observers but we can't now, we cannot," Dlamini-Zuma added.

The Constitutional Court found in favour of the rebel leader-turned-president in a ruling Tuesday, saying his first presidential term did not count as he was elected by parliament, not directly by the people.

The court's vice-president had earlier fled the country after refusing to sign the judgement, and claiming judges had been subjected to death threats.

But critics say Nkurunziza's candidacy violates the constitution and the Arusha accords that ended the civil war.

"Other than the Burundi court all interpretation that we get about the constitution is that ... really there shouldn't be a third term," Dlamini-Zuma added.

US Secretary of State John Kerry said on Monday he was "deeply concerned" about Nkurunziza's bid to remain in power, which he said "flies directly in the face of the constitution".

The government and opposition held talks on Wednesday to try to defuse the tensions, but street protests continue.

"This is a last chance ... they have to come up with concrete solutions so that elections can be held in acceptable conditions," a Western diplomat said of the talks, warning international funding for the polls could be cut if a deal was not struck.

Nkurunziza, in a televised speech on Wednesday, said that holding an election was "the only solution" to the crisis triggered by his bid to prolong his 10-year tenure.

But main opposition leader Agathon Rwasa said the crisis had already gone too far and demanded the vote be postponed, arguing the "credibility of the electoral process is already in doubt".

Burundi's foreign ministry has downplayed the violence, saying that "peace and security reigned" across the country, apart from "a few districts of the capital... shaken by illegal demonstrations and violence triggered by certain political opponents."

Over 35,000 Burundians have fled the country in recent weeks, mostly to Rwanda, and the UN's refugee agency chief Antonio Guterres on Wednesday said he was "extremely worried" by the situation.

"It must stop. We have enough crises in the world," Guterres said.

- AFP/ec


Falana Drags Burundi Gov't To African Commission Over Killing Of Protesters

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has dragged the government of Burundi to the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights over killing of protesters in the country.

BY SAHARAREPORTERS
NEW YORK
MAY 07, 2015

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has dragged the government of Burundi to the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights over killing of protesters in the country.

The petition dated 5 May 2015 and sent to the Secretary, Dr Mary Maboreke reads in part:

"I am sending this petition for the urgent attention of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights regarding the continuing human rights violations by the government of Burundi, in particular the attacks against peaceful protesters, journalists and human rights activists, following protests over President Pierre Nkurunziza’s decision to run for a third term."

"I urge the African Commission to ensure effective remedies for a multiple violations of the rights of the people of Burundi to life, personal liberty, freedom of expression, association and assembly, guaranteed under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights to which Burundi is a state party."

"Despite its obligations under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and other international treaties to which Burundi is a state party, the authorities continue to violate the right to life, personal liberty, freedom of expression, association and assembly in the context of the on-going human rights crisis in the country."

"On April 25, 2015, the ruling National Council for the Defense of Democracy-Forces for the Defense of Democracy (CNDD-FDD) announced that Nkurunziza would be its candidate in June elections. Since then, there are several reports of unlawful killing of citizens as a result of excessive use of force by the police to stop peaceful demonstrations. Many human rights activists have also been arbitrarily arrested. The government has also targeted three popular radio stations – Radio publique africaine (RPA), Radio Isanganiro, and Radio Bonesha FM."

"I am seriously concerned that the continuing serious human rights violations constitute a fundamental breach of Burundi’s obligations under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights."

"The African Charter imposes clear obligations on Burundi to respect, protect, fulfil and promote the human and peoples’ rights it guarantees, and to thoroughly and transparently investigate and prosecute perpetrators.

I am seriously concerned that the government is failing to live up to these obligations. Yet, the African Charter requires all state parties including Burundi to ensure to all persons their fundamental rights without distinction of any kind, including race, language, religion, national origin, or other status."

"The government of Burundi has a positive obligation to prevent and punish human rights violations/abuses including by its agents or private actors. But the government is permitting or failing to take appropriate measures or to exercise due diligence to prevent, punish, investigate or redress the harm caused by these serious human rights violations."

"I therefore urge the African Commission to consider the present Complaint under Articles 55, 56 and 58 of the African Charter. I further urge the African Commission to undertake an in-depth study, based on the “series of serious” and “massive” violations alleged in this Communication."

"I am filing this Communication with the African Commission because no adequate or effective domestic remedies exist to address the violations alleged in this Communication."

"Generally, local remedies must be exhausted prior to submitting a Communication to the Commission.  There are, however, exceptions to this general rule.  The African Commission has stated that local remedies must be available, effective and sufficient. A local remedy is considered available if the petitioner can pursue it without impediment, it is effective if it offers a prospect of success and it is sufficient if it is capable of redressing the complaint. Given the on-going human rights crisis in the country, it is impossible to exhaust domestic remedies in Burundi."

Falana therefore asked the African Commission to:
1.    Consider the present Communication under Articles 55, 56 and 58 of the African Charter. I further urge the African Commission to undertake an in-depth study, based on the “series of serious” and “massive” violations alleged in this Communication;

2.    By virtue of the widespread human rights violations, including unlawful killing, attacks against journalists, human rights activists and the citizens as a whole in Burundi, find that the government of Burundi has violated Articles 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, and11 of the Charter; and make an order for the government to provide appropriate redress for these violations.

Ask Burundi to immediately refrain from any action that would result in continuing loss of life or violation of other human rights in breach of the provisions of the African Charter and other international human rights instruments to which it is a party

Ask Burundi to pay just and adequate compensation to the victims for the multiple violations of their Charter rights and freedoms.

Ask Burundi to end all human rights violations and abuses and to faithfully and fully implement the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and ensure the rights of Burundians;

Pursuant to Rules 84(2) and 118(3)(4) of the Rules of Procedure, refer the matter to the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights

"This complaint has not been submitted to any other procedure of international investigation or settlement. I therefore respectfully request the African Commission to be seized of this complaint. The Applicant will make submissions on admissibility and the merits when invited to do so."
 
The Secretary

African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights

31 Bijilo Annex Layout, Kombo North District,

Western Region P.O. Box 673

Banjul, The Gambia

Email: achpr@achpr.org

Dear Dr Mary Maboreke:

COMMUNICATION BROUGHT AGAINST THE GOVERNMENT OF BURUNDI ON MULTIPLE VIOLATIONS OF THE PROVISIONS OF THE AFRICAN CHARTER ON HUMAN AND PEOPLES’ RIGHTS

A. Introduction:

I am sending this petition for the urgent attention of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights regarding the continuing human rights violations by the government of Burundi, in particular the attacks against peaceful protesters, journalists and human rights activists, following protests over President Pierre Nkurunziza’s decision to run for a third term.

I urge the African Commission to ensure effective remedies for a multiple violations of the rights of the people of Burundi to life, personal liberty, freedom of expression, association and assembly, guaranteed under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights to which Burundi is a state party.

Despite its obligations under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and other international treaties to which Burundi is a state party, the authorities continue to violate the right to life, personal liberty, freedom of expression, association and assembly in the context of the on-going human rights crisis in the country

On April 25, 2015, the ruling National Council for the Defense of Democracy-Forces for the Defense of Democracy (CNDD-FDD) announced that Nkurunziza would be its candidate in June elections. Since then, there are several reports of unlawful killing of citizens as a result of excessive use of force by the police to stop peaceful demonstrations. Many human rights activists have also been arbitrarily arrested. The government has also targeted three popular radio stations – Radio publique africaine (RPA), Radio Isanganiro, and Radio Bonesha FM.

I am seriously concerned that the continuing serious human rights violations constitute a fundamental breach of Burundi’s obligations under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

The African Charter imposes clear obligations on Burundi to respect, protect, fulfil and promote the human and peoples’ rights it guarantees, and to thoroughly and transparently investigate and prosecute perpetrators.

I am seriously concerned that the government is failing to live up to these obligations. Yet, the African Charter requires all state parties including Burundi to ensure to all persons their fundamental rights without distinction of any kind, including race, language, religion, national origin, or other status.

The government of Burundi has a positive obligation to prevent and punish human rights violations/abuses including by its agents or private actors. But the government is permitting or failing to take appropriate measures or to exercise due diligence to prevent, punish, investigate or redress the harm caused by these serious human rights violations.

I therefore urge the African Commission to consider the present Complaint under Articles 55, 56 and 58 of the African Charter. I further urge the African Commission to undertake an in-depth study, based on the “series of serious” and “massive” violations alleged in this Communication.

I am filing this Communication with the African Commission because no adequate or effective domestic remedies exist to address the violations alleged in this Communication.

Generally, local remedies must be exhausted prior to submitting a Communication to the Commission.  There are, however, exceptions to this general rule.  The African Commission has stated that local remedies must be available, effective and sufficient. A local remedy is considered available if the petitioner can pursue it without impediment, it is effective if it offers a prospect of success and it is sufficient if it is capable of redressing the complaint. Given the on-going human rights crisis in the country, it is impossible to exhaust domestic remedies in Burundi.

Indeed, the African Commission has stated in Malawi African Association vs Mauritania (Communication 54/91 Paragraph 85) that: “It does not believe that the condition that internal remedies must have been exhausted can be applied literally to those cases in which it is neither practicable nor desirable for the complainants or the victims to pursue such internal channels of remedy in every case of violation of human rights. Such is the case where there are many victims.”

B.  Requested Relief: I therefore urge the African Commission to:

Consider the present Communication under Articles 55, 56 and 58 of the African Charter. I further urge the African Commission to undertake an in-depth study, based on the “series of serious” and “massive” violations alleged in this Communication;

By virtue of the widespread human rights violations, including unlawful killing, attacks against journalists, human rights activists and the citizens as a whole in Burundi, find that the government of Burundi has violated Articles 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, and11 of the Charter; and make an order for the government to provide appropriate redress for these violations.

Ask Burundi to immediately refrain from any action that would result in continuing loss of life or violation of other human rights in breach of the provisions of the African Charter and other international human rights instruments to which it is a party

Ask Burundi to pay just and adequate compensation to the victims for the multiple violations of their Charter rights and freedoms.

Ask Burundi to end all human rights violations and abuses and to faithfully and fully implement the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and ensure the rights of Burundians;

Pursuant to Rules 84(2) and 118(3)(4) of the Rules of Procedure, refer the matter to the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights

Rule 84 provides that, (1) “When the Commission considers that one or more Communications relate to a series of serious or massive human rights violations, it shall bring the matter to the attention of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union and the Peace and Security Council of the African Union. (2) The Commission may also, in conformity with Article 5 of the African Court Protocol and Rule 118(3) of the present Rules of Procedure, refer the matter to the African Court.” Under Rule 118(3) of the Rules of Procedure, “The Commission may, pursuant to Rule 84(2) submit a communication before the Court against a State Party if a situation that, in its view, constitutes one of serious or massive violations of human rights as provided for under Article 58 of the African Charter, has come to its attention. 4. The Commission may seize the Court at any stage of the examination of a communication if it deems necessary.”

This complaint has not been submitted to any other procedure of international investigation or settlement. I therefore respectfully request the African Commission to be seized of this complaint.

The Applicant will make submissions on admissibility and the merits when invited to do so.

Sincerely,

Femi Falana, SAN

Falana & Falana Chambers


Burundi Standoff Threatens Central African Stability

By HEIDI VOGT
Updated May 6, 2015 5:59 p.m.

NAIROBI, Kenya—A standoff in Burundi between protesters and a president trying to flout constitutional term limits is threatening to destabilize a precarious part of Central Africa.

In the nearly two weeks since Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza said he would run for a third term, the capital Bujumbura has erupted into violent protests, leaving about a dozen people dead. Nearly 40,000 Burundians have fled the country since mid-April because of pre-election intimidation, the United Nations said.

“If this crisis lasts, it is going to trigger a new refugee crisis in the region and with the refugees come also the armed groups on the borders,” said Thierry Vircoulon, head of Central Africa for Brussels-based think tank International Crisis Group.

Burundi is tiny—slightly smaller than Maryland—but its location at the intersection of Rwanda, Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo makes it a potential powder keg in a restive region.

The 1993-2005 Burundian civil war between ethnic Hutus and Tutsis was intertwined with the 1994 Rwandan genocide, which in turn spilled into eastern Congo and eventually kindled a coup in that country. Today, eastern Congo is still home to multiple armed groups and is policed by a U.N. force.

Rwanda, which often sees itself as the region’s peacekeeper and which has received the bulk of the refugees, has urged President Nkurunziza take action to restore peace.

“While we respect Burundi’s sovereignty in addressing internal matters, Rwanda considers the safety of innocent population as a regional and international responsibility,” Rwandan Foreign Minister Louise Mushikiwabo said on Tuesday—appearing to leave open the possibility of Rwandan intervention.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry added his voice to those trying to prompt Mr. Nkurunziza into stepping down this week when he told reporters in Kenya that the Burundian leader’s decision “flies directly in the face of the constitution of his country.”

But there is little sign of international pressure having any effect.

Instead, President Nkurunziza has silenced radio stations and blocked Twitter and Whatsap from mobile phones. On Tuesday, Burundi’s courts ruled that Mr. Nkurunziza’s candidacy was valid after a dissenting judge fled the country. Young people and police continue to battle in the streets of the capital.

It is a harsh reality check for a continent that just witnessed Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan peacefully concede an election in one of Africa’s most powerful countries.

“People are looking at the case of Burundi and saying this is setting a precedent, not only in terms of the behavior of the political actors in the country, but also the leverage that the international community has to stop them, and what happens afterward,” said Yolande Bouka, a Nairobi-based researcher who covers Burundi for South Africa’s Institute for Security Studies.

Some of those watching most closely are leaders of nearby countries who are trying to balance the need for peace with a desire to keep others from meddling in their own lengthy tenures.

Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame is constitutionally barred from seeking a third term but has hinted he might look to continue past the end of his second term in 2017. Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni scrapped term limits to retain power.

But if neither Burundi’s president nor the protesters back down, term limits could become a small worry as refugees continue to pour across borders. Analysts said the political crisis could quickly turn into something even more dire.

“This is the kind of situation that inadvertently can trigger ethnic conflict,” said Charles Laurie, head of Africa research at the U.K.-based consultancy Verisk Maplecroft.

—Nicholas Bariyo in Kampala, Uganda, contributed to this article.

Write to Heidi Vogt at heidi.vogt@wsj.com


Burundi president says his re-election is the only solution to violent crisis

Pierre Nkurunziza asks people ‘to put their trust’ in his ruling party as protests grip the country and thousands flee to neighbouring Rwanda

Agence France-Presse
Wednesday 6 May 2015 20.55 EDT

Burundi’s president Pierre Nkurunziza will run for a controversial third term in June, defying international pressure to step down in the face of violent protests.

“If the people of Burundi put their trust in us, it will be the last mandate I seek, as determined by the constitutional court,” Nkurunziza said in a televised speech on Wednesday.

Holding an election was “the only solution” to the crisis triggered by his bid to prolong his 10-year tenure, he added.

More than a dozen people have been killed and scores wounded since late April, when the ruling CNDD-FDD party nominated Nkurunziza to stand for reelection, triggering daily protests.

The police has been accused of using live ammunition in clashes with protesters in the capital Bujumbura.

Over 35,000 Burundians have fled the country in recent weeks, mostly to Rwanda.

Opposition parties and civil society groups say Nkurunziza’s third-term quest violates both the constitution, which limits a president to two terms in office, and the accords that ended a 13-year civil war between Tutsis and Hutus in 2006.

The constitutional court found in favour of the rebel leader-turned-president in a ruling on Tuesday, saying his first presidential term did not count as he was elected by parliament, not directly by the people.

The government and opposition held talks on Wednesday to try to defuse the tensions.

“This is a last chance... they have to come up with concrete solutions so that elections can be held in acceptable conditions,” a Western diplomat said of the talks, warning international funding for the polls could be cut if a deal was not struck.

But the main opposition leader Agathon Rwasa said the crisis had already gone too far and demanded the 26 June vote be postponed, arguing the “credibility of the electoral process is already in doubt”.

Rwasa also called for the ruling party’s youth wing, a powerful militia called the Imbonerakure, to be disarmed.

At least 16 people were wounded in renewed clashes on Wednesday in Bujumbura, according to the Red Cross. Witnesses reported at least two grenade explosions.

Burundi’s foreign ministry downplayed the violence, saying that “peace and security reigned” across the country, apart from “a few districts of the capital... shaken by illegal demonstrations and violence triggered by certain political opponents.”

The police arrested a leading activist, Audifax Ndabitoreye, for “insurrection,” an AFP journalist witnessed.

The arrest of the dual Burundi and Dutch national came a day after he called for further protests.

He was released later in the day, but told AFP it was possible he would still have to be questioned by the intelligence services at a later date.

Vice-president Prosper Bazombanza offered to release demonstrators who had been arrested, lift arrest warrants issued for key activists and reopen independent radio stations – on condition that “the insurrection stop”.

Foreign ministers from neighbouring Rwanda and Tanzania, as well as Kenya and Uganda, met in Bujumbura on Wednesday to discuss the crisis.

The ministers announced an emergency meeting of regional leaders to discuss the situation on 13 May in Tanzania.

Tuesday’s thumbs-up from the constitutional court to Nkurunziza’s re-election bid incensed protesters.

The court’s vice-president fled the country after refusing to sign the judgement.

US secretary of state John Kerry said on Monday he was “deeply concerned” about Nkurunziza’s bid to remain in power, which he said “flies directly in the face of the constitution”.

The head of the UN’s refugee agency, Antonio Guterres, said he was “extremely worried” by the situation.

“We thought Burundian refugees were something we would never have to discuss again, unfortunately we are back to having a significant outflow of Burundians,” he said, adding: “It must stop. We have enough crises in the world.”

No comments: