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Burundi violence condemned - MPs urge support for peace talks

20 July 2016

Hon. Hafsa Mossi, a member of the East African Legislative Assembly and former BBC journalist, was shot dead in the capital, Bujumbura, last week. Violence in the country has risen since April 2015, following President Pierre Nkurunziza's declaration that he would run for a third term in office.

The day before the shooting, the Committee held an oral evidence session on the crisis in Burundi. They heard reports of killings, torture, disappearances, arbitrary arrests and other abuses since the crisis began last year. Members heard how the deteriorating political and humanitarian situation had left Burundians living in “deep fear”.

Chair's comments

Stephen Twigg MP, Chair of the Committee, said:

“The shooting of Hafsa Mossi highlights the severity of the situation in Burundi, which has been going on for far too long.

“Our evidence session last week painted a startling picture of political stalemate, violence and deterioration of the economy, which is having a devastating impact on the Burundian people.

“The international community must act now to bring an end to the violence. We will continue to monitor the situation closely.”

Committee member, Jeremy Lefroy MP added:

“So far this has been a quiet crisis that has gone largely unnoticed in the international media. Sadly, the death of Hafsa Mossi has highlighted the seriousness of the situation.

“Support for the Arusha peace talks, led by former Tanzanian President Mkapa, is vital. For them to make a difference, a genuine and inclusive dialogue must be brokered between all relevant parties as soon as possible.”

Further information

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