UN OHCHR Calls on Burundi Government to Curb Human Rights Violations

Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) spokesman Cecile Pouilly called upon the Burundian authorities to launch prompt, transparent and thorough investigations into escalating violence in the country following last month’s presidential elections.

GENEVA (Sputnik) — Burundi authorities must address escalating violence in the country following last month’s presidential elections amid the possibility of a civil war, Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) spokesman Cecile Pouilly said Tuesday.

On Sunday, a key lieutenant of Burundi President Pierre Nkurunziza was killed in a drive-by shooting.

"We call upon the Burundian authorities to launch prompt, transparent and thorough investigations into these very serious incidents and ensure that those responsible are held to account. Impunity for perpetrators of human rights violations must stop. We condemn all acts of violence and call on all sides to show restraint to avoid any further escalation of violence," Pouilly said at a press briefing in Geneva.

Violence erupted in Burundi in late April, following Nkurunziza's bid for a third term in office, despite being constitutionally bound to step down after two terms.

Nkurunziza won the election last month, but the vote was boycotted by the opposition and prompted widespread violent protest that affected the country.

Burundi is currently undergoing the worst political crisis since a 12-year civil war in the country ended in 2005.