ADVERTISEMENT

Security Council calls for an end to violence in Burundi

At least 240 people had been killed and tens of thousands others fled to neighbouring states during months of violence.

A security guard walks past the United Nations logo at the U.N. Headquarters in New York, August 31, 2013.    REUTERS/Carlo Allegri

The UN Security Council on Thursday unanimously adopted a resolution calling for an end to violence in Burundi.

It also threatens to consider sanctions if politically motivated human rights abuses continue in the country.

Matthew Rycroft, British ambassador to the UN described the resolution as an `important step forward.’

He said that it sent a united signal to all parties in Burundi to engage in dialogue and refrain from inciting violence.

ADVERTISEMENT

Rycroft said the resolution also called on the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, to update the council on the situation in Burundi within 15 days, including options for a future UN presence in the country.

The violence was sparked off when Burundi’s President, Pierre Nkurunziza decided in April to run for a third term in office.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.com.gh

ADVERTISEMENT