Three killed in Burundi as toll from political violence rises
NAN-F-9
Violence
Nairobi, Oct. 11, 2016 (Reuters/NAN) A ruling party official and two others were killed in a bar in Southern Burundi, an official said on Tuesday, as an addition to casualties of 18 months of political violence grows.
The Regional Official, Joachim-Manirakiza said that unidentified gunmen attacked the bar in Saga village, Rumonge province, at around 8:30 p.m. on Monday evening.
He said that a school principal was among the victims.
The African country has been gripped by political strife and conflict since President Pierre Nkurunziza’s sought and won a third term in 2015.
The opponents accused him of violating the constitution and terms of a peace deal that ended civil war in 2005.
At least three rebel groups have taken up arms against Nkurunziza and hundreds have been killed, including opposition figures and government officials, in tit-for-tat violence.
The UN Human Rights Council agreed last week to set up a commission of inquiry to identify perpetrators of killings and torture in Burundi and to ensure they are brought to justice. Burundi rejected the move.
At least 564 killings have been documented by the UN in Burundi since the unrest broke out. (Reuters/NAN)
(Edited by Damilola Oyewole/ Julius Enehikhuere)