UN chief slams murder of Burundian General, his family in Bujumbura

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Monday condemned the assassination of Brigadier General Athanase Kararuza, his wife and daughter early in the day in the crisis-torn Burundi's capital, Bujumbura.

Brigadier General Kararuza had served in senior positions in both the African-led International Support Mission to the Central African Republic (MISCA) and the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), according to a statement issued here by Ban's Spokesperson,

"The assassination of Brigadier General Kararuza comes in the wake of several instances of politically-motivated assassination attempts in Burundi over recent weeks, including yesterday's attack on Martin Nivyabandi, minister of human rights, social affairs and gender, as well as those on prominent members of the security forces," the statement said.

The secretary-general also extended his deepest condolences to all affected by this tragic loss.

"All such acts of violence serve no purpose other than to worsen the already volatile situation in Burundi. The Secretary-General urges that a rigorous and prompt investigation of these events is undertaken," the statement indicated.

The secretary-general underlined that a political process is the only way for Burundians to put their country back on the path of national reconciliation and peace. He called on all political leaders, including those in exile, to firmly renounce the use of violence in pursuit of political agendas and commit to an inclusive and genuine dialogue.

The United Nations will continue to provide its full support and assistance to all efforts aimed at promoting a peaceful settlement in Burundi, the statement said.

Burundi is facing a political crisis that broke out in April 2015 following the announcement by Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza saying he would be seeking a third term.

His candidature, which was opposed by the opposition and civil society groups, resulted into a wave of protests, violence and even a failed coup on May 13, 2015.

More than 400 people are reported to have been killed since then.

Source: XINHUA