BURUNDI: UN warns of potential atrocities by security forces ahead of general elections

The United Nations has warned of a potential risk of new wave of atrocities by security forces in Burundi ahead of next year’s general elections.

In a report published on Wednesday, the UN said it feared unresolved political crisis and a president who was increasingly portrayed as a “divine” ruler may spark fresh rounds of atrocities.

According to UN Commission of Inquiry on Burundi, “there was a “climate of fear” and intimidation against anyone who did not show support for President Pierre Nkurunziza and his ruling CNDD-FDD party.

READ ALSO: Eyebrows raised as Jeffrey Epstein’s autopsy result reveals broken bones in his

“It is extremely dangerous to speak out critically in Burundi today,” commission chief Doudou Diene said in a statement.

“The 2020 elections pose a major risk,” the report said, adding the government was increasing control over non-governmental organisations and there was no real multi-party system, since most parties had been “infiltrated and divided”.

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