Fear in Burundi as violence escalates

August 11, 2015

Amid spiraling violence, Burundi’s citizens are fleeing their homes, and up to 200,000 refugees may leave the nation by the end of the year, Father Lambert Niciteretse, the secretary-general of the bishops’ conference, told Aid to the Church in Need.

President Pierre Nkurunziza announced in April that he was seeking an unconstitutional third term in office, and the nation’s bishops stated that “the Catholic Church cannot allow herself to be part of an electoral process that is visibly not consensual.”

Fewer than 30% of citizens turned out for the July 21 election, which Nkurunziza won. Less than two weeks later, General Adolphe Nshimirimana, a leading advisor to the president, was assassinated.

“We have no idea how this grave crime will affect the already difficult situation in our country,” said Father Niciteretse. “But undoubtedly this killing will have serious consequences … Despite the difficulties, we will continue to support the people, to denounce violence and invite all parties to peace and the respect of human rights.”

67% of the East African nation’s 10.4 million people are Catholic.

 

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Further information:

• Burundi: Immense suffering and pain (Aid to the Church in Need)
• Official: Top Burundi general assassinated in the capital (AP)
• UN: Burundi violence spiraling toward point of no return (AP)
• Burundi's bishops say fair vote impossible, withdraw from election commissions (CWN, 5/28)