Burundi

The police in Bujumbura, Burundi, have increasingly broken up opposition party gatherings.
IRIN/Desire Nimubona

UN political chief welcomes commitment of Burundi’s Government to dialogue, elections

12 December 2014
As Under-Secretary-General Jeffrey Feltman wrapped up his visit to Burundi, he met today with President, Pierre Nkurunziza, to discuss issues related to the drawdown of the United Nations Office in Burundi (BNUB), and establishment of the UN Electoral Observation Mission (MENUB).
Independent Expert on Human Rights Michel Forst.
Jean-Marc Ferré

Burundi: UN expert urges defence of human rights activists to promote transparency

25 November 2014
The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders expressed regret today that defenders in Burundi are deemed to be political opponents, saying that in reality they are activists working to promote and protect human rights and civil liberties.
UN Photo/Staton Winter
UN Photo/Staton Winter

Ban appoints envoy for UN Burundi office ahead of country’s elections

10 November 2014
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has appointed Cassam Uteem as his Special Envoy and Head of the United Nations Electoral Observation Mission in Burundi (MENUB), the UN Spokesperson’s office announced today.
The police in Bujumbura, Burundi, have increasingly broken up opposition party gatherings.
IRIN/Desire Nimubona

Burundi: UN officials urge vigilance, transparency as elections near

5 November 2014
Noting the current stability in Burundi’s security situation, two United Nations officials briefing the Security Council today urged vigilance, but expressed confidence that the Government would continue on a path towards peace in the run-up to elections in 2015.
Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the UN Office in Burundi (BNUB) Parfait Onanga-Anyanga.
BNUB

Burundi: UN envoy says 2015 elections will be ‘litmus test’ for democratic processes, stability

6 August 2014
While noting Burundi’s efforts to ensure an inclusive political climate ahead of elections in 2015, the United Nations envoy for the country warned today that the socio-political situation there remains characterized by “deep-rooted divergences and persisting mistrust between the Government and opposition parties, and between and within opposition formations as well.”
The use of raised drying racks has exploded along the shores of Lake Tanganyika.
FAO/Oumou Khaïry Ndiaye

Fish drying method changes women’s lives in Burundi

9 July 2014
General News

A simple rack for drying fish is changing the lives of women in Burundi for the better.

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Members of Burundi’s ruling party youth wing march at a rally in September 2012.
IRIN/Desire Nimubona

Burundi: curbs on free expression ahead of elections draw concern of senior UN rights official

27 June 2014
Expressing deep concern about growing restrictions on freedom of expression in Burundi, a senior United Nations rights official today called on the authorities there to ensure that human rights are fully protected ahead of next year’s presidential elections.
The Security Council meets on the situation in Burundi.
UN Photo/Devra Berkowitz

Burundi political infighting could derail country’s peacebuilding efforts – UN official

14 May 2014
The political situation in Burundi remains tense with limited political space not conducive to protection of human rights, a United Nations envoy today told the Security Council today, warning that as the country approaches elections in 2015, there is a possibility of violence.
Members of Burundi’s ruling party youth wing march at a rally in September 2012.
IRIN/Desire Nimubona

UN concerned at ‘troubling’ political developments in Burundi

10 April 2014
The United Nations today called on the Government of Burundi to address ongoing political violence and restrictions on human rights, saying it is receiving “troubling” information about recent developments in the country.
UN Photo/Martine Perret
UN Photo/Martine Perret

Burundi: UN chief urges restraint following clashes between police, opposition parties

14 March 2014
Deeply concerned about violent confrontations between the police and members of opposition in Burundi, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is urging both the government and political parties to de-escalate tensions and to campaign against political violence ahead of the presidential and parliamentary elections in 2015.