Burundi ‘On The Brink’ Ahead of Disputed Elections
145,000 have now fled country amid crackdown on political opposition following failed May coup
Burundi
By ELIZABETH WILKS PARRY and LUKE VARGAS
UNITED NATIONS (TRNS) – Fear of political violence is prompting a mass exodus from Burundi ahead of a controversial presidential election scheduled for next week, U.N. High Commissioner Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein said Thursday.
“The people of Burundi are telling us is that they fear their country is on the brink of devastating violence,” Zeid said, noting that “the risk to human life, and to regional stability and development, is high.”
Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza announced his plan to seek a third term in office in April, sparking mass protests and a short-lived coup attempt in May lead by members of the country’s military.
At least 58 civilian deaths have been recorded in Burundi by the U.N. since anti-government street protests began in late April.
Burundi’s constitution allows for presidents to govern “for a mandate of five years renewable one time,” but Nkurunziza and the Burundian Supreme Court contend that he was appointed to his first term, and therefore has only been elected once before.
Earlier this week, a consortium of East African heads of state urged the Burundian government to postpone the presidential vote until July 30th to provide time for more political dialogue.
In remarks to the U.N. Security Council today, Burundian Ambassador Albert Shingiro said the government would consider postponing the election by up to 11 days, to July 26th, but that further delays would be in violation of the constitution.
Refugee Crisis Worsening
According to the latest U.N. figures, more than 144,000 Burundians have fled the country in recent weeks. Neighboring Tanzania has accommodated at least 66,000 refugees, while more than 56,000 have sought refuge in Rwanda.
Many of those fleeing Burundi have reportedly told U.N. personnel that they faced threats from the so-called Imbonerakure militia, which Zeid said is “linked to the President’s political party.”
“Frequent grenade attacks in public neighbourhoods and a campaign of intimidation of ordinary people by the Imbonerakure militia members have created an atmosphere that is grim with fear and panic,” Zeid said.
Shingiro disputed that assessment, saying “the international community missed the mark” by blaming violence against civilians on the Burundian police and other groups affiliated with government.
“This is an accusation that is no longer relevant today,” Shingiro said, “as one of the authors of the failed coup d’etat of 13 May, 2015 has publicly taken responsibility for the grenade attacks and all other acts of violence perpetrated against the police and civilians during the rebellion.”
Although Shingiro did not name names, he was likely referring to recent media comments by General Leonard Ngendakumana, a coup participant who threatened more attacks should Nkurunziza choose not to abandon his reelection bid.
Burundi
By ELIZABETH WILKS PARRY and LUKE VARGAS
UNITED NATIONS (TRNS) – Fear of political violence is prompting a mass exodus from Burundi ahead of a controversial presidential election scheduled for next week, U.N. High Commissioner Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein said Thursday.
“The people of Burundi are telling us is that they fear their country is on the brink of devastating violence,” Zeid said, noting that “the risk to human life, and to regional stability and development, is high.”
Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza announced his plan to seek a third term in office in April, sparking mass protests and a short-lived coup attempt in May lead by members of the country’s military.
At least 58 civilian deaths have been recorded in Burundi by the U.N. since anti-government street protests began in late April.
Burundi’s constitution allows for presidents to govern “for a mandate of five years renewable one time,” but Nkurunziza and the Burundian Supreme Court contend that he was appointed to his first term, and therefore has only been elected once before.
Earlier this week, a consortium of East African heads of state urged the Burundian government to postpone the presidential vote until July 30th to provide time for more political dialogue.
In remarks to the U.N. Security Council today, Burundian Ambassador Albert Shingiro said the government would consider postponing the election by up to 11 days, to July 26th, but that further delays would be in violation of the constitution.
Refugee Crisis Worsening
According to the latest U.N. figures, more than 144,000 Burundians have fled the country in recent weeks. Neighboring Tanzania has accommodated at least 66,000 refugees, while more than 56,000 have sought refuge in Rwanda.
Many of those fleeing Burundi have reportedly told U.N. personnel that they faced threats from the so-called Imbonerakure militia, which Zeid said is “linked to the President’s political party.”
“Frequent grenade attacks in public neighbourhoods and a campaign of intimidation of ordinary people by the Imbonerakure militia members have created an atmosphere that is grim with fear and panic,” Zeid said.
Shingiro disputed that assessment, saying “the international community missed the mark” by blaming violence against civilians on the Burundian police and other groups affiliated with government.
“This is an accusation that is no longer relevant today,” Shingiro said, “as one of the authors of the failed coup d’etat of 13 May, 2015 has publicly taken responsibility for the grenade attacks and all other acts of violence perpetrated against the police and civilians during the rebellion.”
Although Shingiro did not name names, he was likely referring to recent media comments by General Leonard Ngendakumana, a coup participant who threatened more attacks should Nkurunziza choose not to abandon his reelection bid.
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