As local and presidential elections approach in Burundi, UN-appointed rights investigators urge the government to restore civil freedoms, citing deteriorating conditions of human rights, especially by youth groups linked to the ruling party. A humanitarian crisis worsens with hundreds of thousands as refugees, raising concerns over voluntary repatriation.
As Burundi approaches its local and presidential elections slated for May, senior UN-appointed rights investigators have called on the government to restore democratic freedoms. The Commissioners leading the Geneva-based Commission of Inquiry on Burundi (COIB) emphasized that these freedoms are essential for conducting free and credible elections. They warned that the current political, economic, and security conditions in Burundi are deteriorating further.
The situation is particularly alarming due to the actions of the Imbonerakure, a youth group associated with President Pierre Nkurunziza’s ruling party. Reports indicate that they have been involved in a series of violent acts, including killings, arbitrary arrests, torture, and sexual violence against perceived political opponents. The international community has been alerted to the dangers posed to opposition figures and their families.
Moreover, the right investigators highlighted a worsening humanitarian crisis, noting that 336,000 Burundian refugees are currently in neighboring countries. They expressed concerns regarding the questionable nature of repatriation efforts that are termed ‘voluntary.’ This situation follows the unrest sparked by President Nkurunziza’s controversial decision in 2015 to pursue a third term, leading to significant violence and the displacement of many citizens.
In summary, Burundi faces a critical juncture as it heads toward elections amid worsening human rights conditions. The call from UN investigators to restore civil and political freedoms underscores the need for a secure and just electoral environment. The alarming actions of the Imbonerakure and the deteriorating humanitarian situation require urgent attention from both national authorities and the international community to safeguard the rights and lives of Burundians.
Original Source: news.un.org
