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UN calls for peace in Burundi ahead of legislative elections

UN calls for peace in Burundi ahead of legislative elections

The United Nations mission in Burundi has called for “an immediate end o all criminal and barbaric acts” which have occurred as the African country prepares for legislative elections early next month.

Serious recent incidents in Bujumbura and Bujumbura Rural were designed to intimidate people and create an atmosphere of fear, as the elections drew near and, indeed, were meant to derail the electoral process, the UN Operation in Burundi (ONUB) said in a statement.

“Burundi is making a new beginning after many years of fratricidal war and seeks to forge a free society to which the majority of the population aspires. Everything must be done to instil peace in hearts and minds in a country worth living and which should be the pride of its citizens,” it said.

It noted that the international community hailed the successful referendum in February and the commune elections in June, achievements of which Burundians should be proud, ONUB said.

“A few individuals, whoever they are, cannot, therefore, throw off course the process which is now deeply entrenched in the realities of Burundi,” ONUB said.