UN chief urges parties in Burundi to reject violence ahead of elections

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday condemned the outbreak of violence in Burundi after the country's ruling party nominated President Pierre Nkurunziza as presidential candidate, urging all parties to reject violence.

Burundi's ruling National Council for the Defense of Democracy- Forces for the Defense of Democracy (CNDD-FDD), on Saturday nominated Nkurunziza to run for a third term in the country's presidential election set for June 26.

Protests took place Sunday in various neighborhoods of the Burundian capital Bujumbura. At least two protesters were killed and about ten others injured in the protests.

In a statement released by Ban's spokesperson, the UN chief called on Burundian authorities to conduct a prompt investigation into the deaths that occurred during the recent demonstrations so that those responsible are held accountable.

"The Secretary-General appeals to Burundians to safeguard the hard won gains made in consolidating peace and democracy and urges them to resolve their differences through dialogue," said the statement. "He urges all parties to reject violence and avoid using inflammatory language or hate speech that could further increase tensions."

Ban has also dispatched Said Djinnit, his Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region, to Burundi for consultations with Nkurunziza and other government officials.

Nkurunziza was elected by parliament in 2005 and directly re- elected by citizens in 2010. Burundi's constitution stipulates that a president of Burundi cannot serve the country for more than two terms.

The country is to hold general elections from May 26 to August 24 this year. Endite