Rights organisation warns world to act now

A Great Lakes human rights organisation based in the Rwandan capital Kigali, la Ligue des droits de la personne dans la region des Grands Lacs (LDGL), has warned the international community to act quickly if Burundi is to be saved. In a report on the deteriorating situation in Burundi, received by IRIN on Wednesday, the LDGL noted intensified attacks by the rebel groups, Forces de defense pour la democratie (FDD) and Forces nationales de liberation (FNL), particularly along the border with Tanzania, in Bujumbura Rural province and the central provinces of Gitega and Mwaro.

Thousands of people have been displaced, exacerbating an already worrying humanitarian situation, the report noted. “Most human rights violations and massive destruction these days can be attributed to the rebels, who are carrying out ambushes and attacks against various localities,” the report said. It also drew attention to the proliferation of arms, a “pernicious” political climate, the “decay” of the state and “dwindling freedoms”, particularly the freedom of expression. The report called for immediately implementing the Arusha peace deal and urged the government not to use “the pretext of war” to block implementation.

“The UN Security Council, the OAU, the European Union and the international community are urged to closely follow the situation in Burundi and take timely preventive measures in order to avoid a humanitarian catastrophe,” the report warned.