Attachments
Burundi
Protests against President Nkurunziza’s run for third term continued amid deepening repression and insecurity. Seventeen officers arrested 14 May follow- ing failed coup attempt led by former army Major General Godefroid Niyombare, who fled country. Civil society-led protests continued as violence intensified: some 30 killed, 600 arrested in police crackdown; three killed 22 May in grenade attack on Bu- jumbura market. Amid increasing antagonism within security forces, soldier reported- ly shot by police 20 May. Dialogue between protesters and govt began 23 May, opposi- tion leader Zedi Feruzi shot, killed same day; opposition accused police, 25 May sus- pended dialogue for three days, 27 May said free, fair elections “impossible”. Govt re- shuffle 18 May replaced three ministers, violating power-sharing agreement between military old guard and ruling CNDD-FDD. EU and Belgium 11 May halted election aid; Belgium 21 May threatened to halt all govt-to-govt aid if Nkurunziza runs. Govt 26 May asked Burundians for donations to fund elections; EU 28 May suspended its elec- tion monitoring mission, withdrew poll observers amid security concerns. East African Community (EAC) 31 May held summit on Burundi, called for postponement of elec- tions, political dialogue about Nkurunziza’s candidacy. Nkurunziza 20 May signed de- cree postponing municipal elections until 5 June, presidential polls to go ahead 26 June.
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