UN urges Burundi's politicians to reject violence ahead of elections

The United Nations (UN) human rights chief has urged politicians Burundi to avoid violence ahead of its upcoming general elections as thousands of Burundians fearing clashes have fled the country.

"I urge the Burundian politicians and political activists to ensure the political debate never reaches the level of inciting hatred or violence," UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein told a press conference concluding his four-day visit in Burundi.

He called on the ruling party, opposition parties, the police and the military to place the future well-being of the country as a whole before their own personal political interests.

"There is only one path for Burundi to follow. That is the path of peace, rule of law and democracy," said Al Hussein.

He said many Burundian citizens have fled the country amid fear of violence that might go with the elections.

"Almost 6,000 people are now believed to have crossed into Rwanda alone. Over the past two days, the number crossing the border has increased to 1,000 people per day. Many of those who fled their homes told the UN that their reason for leaving was the actions of the militia (Burundi's ruling party youths)," said Al Hussein.

He urged the Burundian government and security forces to clamp down the Burundian ruling party youths dubbed as Imbonerakure in order to organize peaceful elections.

He stressed that the Burundian government has to send a clear message to this "dangerous group" that it will no longer tolerate its extreme activities, and that selective impunity will no longer prevail.

"The clear way out is the way back to the path that led Burundi to peace and prosperity, I mean, the Arusha Agreement," said he.

Burundi is to hold its general elections between May 26 and August 24, with the presidential election to be held on June 26. Endi