BURUNDI: 2 opposition supporters killed ahead of presidential elections

Violence continues to be the order of the day in the West African country of Burundi as no fewer than two opposition members have been killed ahead of presidential and parliamentary elections in the country.

Burundi’s Attorney-General Sylvestre Nyandwi on Tuesday urged politicians not to incite violence following several clashes, some involving machetes, between governing party supporters and those backing the opposition.

Reports say there have been violent attacks in various parts of the country ahead of presidential and parliamentary elections due to be held in two weeks with deaths recorded in recent days.

READ ALSO: DR CONGO: 12 rangers, civilians killed during attack at National Park

The main opposition party in Burundi, the National Congress for Liberty (CNL), has decried a crackdown against its members by President Pierre Nkurunziza’s government.

Party spokesman, Térence Manirambona in a statement weeks ago said that about 10 of its members were killed and 200 others jailed ahead of general elections.

Manirambona told journalists in the main city of Bujumbura that political intolerance and violence against their members had intensified as the general elections draws even nearer.

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now