Burundi
The U.S. State Department on Tuesday denounced recent political violence in Burundi ahead of the country’s May 17 referendum to amend its constitution and expressed concerns that the vote to extend its president’s term in office could hurt its democratic institutions.
“We denounce the numerous instances of violence, intimidation, and harassment committed against perceived opponents of the referendum,” it said in a statement.
“We call on the government to respect Burundi’s international legal obligations regarding the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association.”
Burundi courts on Monday sentenced an official in the country’s ruling party to three years in jail for pushing to have opponents of the referendum thrown into a lake.
Nearly 430,000 people, including opposition politicians, have fled the East African nation of 10.5 million people since President Pierre Nkurunziza won a third term in a 2015 election that led to violent clashes.
REUTERS
01:11
Dangote refinery makes landmark U.S. gasoline delivery, reshaping global energy flows
01:53
Guinea referendum campaigns in full swing as junta cripples dissent
Go to video
Tanzania: Opposition presidential candidate Luhaga Mpina barred from running for second time
Go to video
Former Kenya's deputy president, declares bid to oust president William Ruto in 2027
Go to video
Niger: HRW report warns of escalating Islamic State group attacks on civilians
01:08
US and Egypt co-host Bright Star 25 joint military exercises