Burundi accuses Belgium of ordering hit on independence hero
Burundi on Sunday accused former colonial power Belgium of ordering the assassination of independence hero and Crown Prince Louis Rwagasore in 1961, a move likely to further poison ties between the two countries. A government statement said Belgium was the “true backer of the assassination of Rwagasore”, in the first direct accusation over the murder […]
UN Envoy urges Burundi leaders to ‘seize opportunities for national unity and peace’
The Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Burundi, Michel Kafando, has called on the country’s leaders to “seize the opportunity” offered by the recent adoption of a new constitution, to create a new political environment that is “conducive to the consolidation of national unity and peace”. Addressing the UN Security Council on Thursday, he commended in particular […]
Roughly a month’s worth of rain in a night destroys homes in Bujumbura
At least six people have died in Burundi in a night of torrential rain and flooding that triggered landslides and caused widespread damage. Gaston Sindimwo, the African nation’s vice president, said “torrential rains and strong winds struck several provinces last night. In the northwestern town of Mabayi, a landslide smothered several houses, and rescuers found five […]
President Pierre Nkurunziza Stalls Talks, Eyes Term Limit Removal
Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza seems to be stalling the East African Community-led mediation process, while also pushing a political agenda to remove a key part of the Arusha Peace and Reconciliation Agreement (also known as the Arusha Accords) that limits presidential terms. Facilitated by former Presidents Julius Nyerere and Nelson Mandela, the Arusha Accords helped […]
Former Burundi Minister Hafsa Mossi Assassinated
The first East African Community (EAC) affairs minister for Burundi, Hafsa Mossi was shot dead by unknown gunmen outside her home in Bujumbura yesterday. A close relative said the former minister was near her home when a vehicle with tinted windows hit her car from behind. She was shot twice when she got out of […]
Burundi’s opposition leader Patrice Gahungu shot dead in Bujumbura
Patrice Gahungu, spokesman of Burundi’s Union for Peace and Development (UPD-Zigamibanga) opposition party, was shot dead on Monday night, on his way home at Gasenyi in the capital Bujumbura. Clemence Nsabiyimbona, wife of Gahungu, said on Tuesday in Bujumbura that her husband was ambushed around 22:30 on his way home. She said the husband was […]
Burundian soldiers clash with gunmen near Rwanda
Burundian soldiers clashed with gunmen Friday in a northern region near Rwanda, a local official and the military said, in the latest violence ahead of controversial elections due next week. The crisis in Burundi revolves around President Pierre Nkurunziza’s bid to stand for a third straight five-year term, which his opponents say is unconstitutional and […]
65 protestors arrested in Burundi for protesting against the president’s re-election bid
Bujumbura-Burundi has charged 65 protestors with rebellion after they were arrested during clashes with police while calling for the president not to seek re-election, a prosecutor said.Tensions are high with opposition parties concerned at incumbent President Pierre Nkurunziza’s expected bid for re-election in June despite the constitutional limit of two terms.Nkurunziza has not yet confirmed […]
