Over 1,000 Killed in Burundi, UN told

Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza (left) stands next to UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon during a press conference on February 23, 2016 in Bujumbura. Burundi’s leading human rights activist said on Wednesday that 1098 people were killed in the country during the past year - a total more than double a United Nations estimate given in March. PHOTO | AFP

What you need to know:

  • Burundi’s leading human rights activist said on Wednesday that 1098 people were killed in the country during the past year - a total more than double a United Nations estimate given in March.
  • Another 800 Burundians are currently missing, and about 5,000 have been imprisoned, Pierre Claver Mbonimpa added at a press conference at UN headquarters in New York.
  • At least 120 women and girls in Burundi have been sexually assaulted since the outbreak of violence in the country one year ago, said Agnes Kiromera Muvira, a member of the Burundi Women and Girls’ Movement for Peace and Security.

Burundi’s leading human rights activist said on Wednesday that 1098 people were killed in the country during the past year - a total more than double a United Nations estimate given in March.

Another 800 Burundians are currently missing, and about 5,000 have been imprisoned, Pierre Claver Mbonimpa added at a press conference at UN headquarters in New York.

“Today, the entire population lives in fear,” Mr Mbonimpa declared.

“I am also suffering personally,” said Mr Mbonimpa, the founder and head of the Association for the Protection of Human Rights and Incarcerated Persons. “I have lost my child and also my son-in-law.”

Mr Mbonimpa’s son, Welly Nzitonda, was killed in the capital city, Bujumbura, last November. His body was found hours after he had been arrested.

The previous month, unidentified gunmen shot dead Pascal Nshirimana, Mr Mbonimpa’s son in law.

Mr Mbonimpa was himself wounded in an apparent assassination attempt last August. He was taken for treatment to a hospital in Belgium, where he now lives in exile.

SEXUAL ABUSES

At least 120 women and girls in Burundi have been sexually assaulted since the outbreak of violence in the country one year ago, said Agnes Kiromera Muvira, a member of the Burundi Women and Girls’ Movement for Peace and Security.

That total is likely an underestimate, she added, because many victims do not report attacks due to a sense of shame and the belief “there will not be justice.”

Speaking at the same press conference on Tuesday, Ms Muvira urged the UN Security Council to act on a recommendation for an independent police force to be sent to Burundi.

The aim of such a force, she said, should be to “protect civilians and deter opposition and government forces from committing further human rights abuses.”

Ms Muvira rejected government claims that the country has been stabilised since opponents of President Pierre Nkurunziza began protesting last year against his bid for a third term in office.