A UN investigation into alleged human rights abuses in Burundi says there is strong evidence that crimes against humanity have been committed.
The report, which is being published today in Geneva, details what the authors say are widespread and systematic violations, committed largely by government forces, since April 2015, when Burundi’s President Pierre Nkurunziza decided to seek a controversial third term in office
The UN report contains horrific details of killing, torture, and rape committed, the investigators say, primarily by Burundi’s national intelligence service, its police, and its army.
Thousands of people have fled Burundi to escape the violence.
The UN investigators have a long list of recommendations for Burundi’s government, including to cease all violence, release all political prisoners and completely reform the judiciary.
But, the report continues, since there is no realistic chance of this happening, the International Criminal Court ( ICC) should open its own investigation.
Burundi, however, initiated the process of withdrawing from the ICC last year, apparently in anticipation of this very report.
BBC
