Burundi opposition figures go into hiding for safety
The Burundian opposition says many of its figures have gone into hiding in the capital, Bujumbura, after one of the country’s opposition leaders was assassinated.
On Sunday, opposition figure Agathon Rwasa said many opposition politicians, activists, and journalists have gone into hiding in the capital for safety reasons.
"The life of anyone who opposes (President) Pierre Nkurunziza is in danger," Rwasa said, adding, "People are being assassinated here and there."
This comes one day after the head of the opposition Union for Peace and Development (UPD) Zedi Feruzi was shot dead along with his bodyguard, while on his way home in the capital’s central district of Ngagara.
Last week, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Zeid al-Hussein said the UN had received alerts from journalists and human rights defenders in the African nation, fearing their safety.
Tens of people have been killed after clashes which erupted in the country over the presidents’ plan to run for a third presidential term was announced late last month.
The country also witnessed a failed coup attempt earlier this month.
At least 100,000 people have fled Burundi in fear of political violence ahead of upcoming elections scheduled to be held on June 26.
Burundi’s opposition argues that the president's bid to run for a third term is against both the constitution and the Arusha Agreements, which ended the 12-year civil war that started in 1993 and claimed the lives of over 250,000 people.
However, Nkurunziza has rejected claims that he is violating the constitution by seeking to remain in power, arguing that he can still run for president as his rise to power after the civil war did not come through direct votes.
SZH/HMV/SS
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