Ban condemns assassination of former Burundian minister Mossi

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has condemned the assassination earlier today of Hafsa Mossi, former Burundian Minister for East African Community Affairs and Member of the East African Legislative Assembly, in the capital, Bujumbura.

“This despicable act of violence only serves to promote divisions, entrench mistrust, and destabilize the country,” said a statement issued this evening by Mr. Ban's spokesperson, in which the UN chief extended his deepest condolences to Ms. Mossi's family.

The Secretary-General in his statement reiterated the need to intensify efforts to find a negotiated settlement to the crisis in Burundi and called on all parties concerned to engage fully and in good faith in the peace process led by the East African Community (EAC).

“The United Nations will continue to provide assistance to the EAC-led dialogue process and its Facilitator, former President of […] Tanzania, Benjamin Mkapa,: the statement concluded.

Media reports suggest that Ms. Mossi was shot by unknown assailants near her home in Bujumbura.

Burundi's political crisis began last year when President Pierre Nkurunziza decided to run for a third term, sparking protests. To date, it has been reported that hundreds of people have been killed, more than 240,000 have fled the nation, and thousands more have been arrested.