Burundi: UN mission alarmed by reports of a coup and subsequent crackdown

The United Nations peacekeeping mission in Burundi voiced alarm today at reports that there has been an attempted coup in recent days in the African country and that some political figures have since been arrested.

The UN Operation in Burundi, known by its French acronym ONUB, warned in a communiqué to the press issued in Bujumbura, the capital, that these events constitute a threat to the “commendable achievements of the peace process” in Burundi.

Expressing concern about allegations of torture, ONUB said it has asked the Burundian authorities to allow access to the detainees and called on the Government to make available any information about the events to the international community.

Last month, citing “factors of instability,” the Security Council extended ONUB’s mandate through the end of the year. The mission was established in May 2004 as Burundi emerged out of 12 years of civil war.