Senior UN-appointed rights investigators urged the Burundian government to restore democratic space ahead of elections, citing worsening conditions including increasing violence by youth affiliated with the ruling party and a troubling humanitarian situation affecting refugees.
As Burundi approaches its scheduled local and presidential elections in two months, independent rights investigators appointed by the United Nations have called on the government to restore democratic freedoms. The Commissioners leading the Geneva-based Commission Inquiry on Burundi (COIB) emphasized the necessity of ensuring basic human rights for the conduct of free, credible, and transparent elections in a peaceful environment during their briefing to the UN Human Rights Council on March 9.
The Commission has expressed deep concerns regarding the deteriorating conditions in Burundi, which are increasingly negative in political, economic, and security spheres. Particularly alarming are the activities of the Imbonerakure, a youth group affiliated with the ruling party of President Pierre Nkurunziza, known for their involvement in attacks against opposition members and their families, including killings, disappearances, and acts of torture.
Furthermore, the investigators highlighted a troubling humanitarian crisis affecting both displaced individuals within the country and those seeking refuge abroad. Currently, there are approximately 336,000 Burundian refugees in neighboring nations, with the nature of their repatriation being questioned regarding its voluntary aspect. This precarious situation follows President Nkurunziza’s controversial decision in 2015 to pursue a third term, which many citizens viewed as unconstitutional, sparking political unrest that resulted in numerous fatalities and mass displacements.
In conclusion, the situation in Burundi remains precarious as the elections approach, with serious human rights violations being reported. The call from UN-appointed investigators for a reopening of civil and political space underscores the imperative to ensure a fair electoral process. With significant humanitarian concerns and a notable presence of violence against opposition members, it is crucial for the Burundian government to address these issues to facilitate a peaceful election environment.
Original Source: news.un.org
