At least 10,000 refugees from Burundi fled the country during the weekend before the borders were closed for the elections in the country. Among those that have fled are the Deputy vice President and some members of the country’s electoral body.
On Monday 29th June the Burundians voted to elect 15 councilors and 100 members of parliament which prompted the usual shutting down the borders for 48 hours for the election. The Burundians were forced to use informal borders crossing points following the border closure.
According to the UNHCR data, approximately 144000 Burundians have registered as refugees in the neighboring countries following unrest in the country and the failed coup against President Pierre Nkurunziza.
President Nkurunziza is vying for a third term which has been avidly contested by the civil society citing it violates the peace accord that ended 13 years of civil war in the country.
Burundi has been characterized by unrest and protests from her populace who are protesting against the Monday presidential polls. Nkurunziza has been warned against the Monday polls as they may cause civil war in Burundi and break the peace accord that has kept Burundi safe and war-free.
unbridled lust for power is dangerous