Burundi's human rights commission urges dialogue to end crisis

Following gunmen's attacks against some Burundian military barracks, the country's National Independent Human Rights Commission (CNIDH) Sunday urged dialogue to end the crisis in the east African nation.

"The Burundian National Independent Human Rights Commission encourages the government to hold a political dialogue," said Jean Baptiste Baribonekeza, CNIDH chairman.

According to him, dialogue should be accompanied by security and respect of human rights.

"The commission encourages defense and security forces to be characterized by professionalism and neutrality. They should restrain from acts of provocation and avoid making victims within civilians," said Baribonekeza.

He strongly condemned recent attacks by assailants against some military barracks.

On Friday, unidentified gunmen launched simultaneous attacks against three military barracks in the Burundian capital Bujumbura and another one at Mujejuru in Bujumbura Rural province.

Army Spokesman Colonel Gaspard Baratuza said at least 87 people, including 79 gunmen, four soldiers and four policemen were killed during the attacks.

Baratuza said that 45 assailants were captured while 97 guns of different kinds and ammunitions were seized during the operation.

During the attacks, nine soldiers and 12 policemen were also injured.

Burundi is facing a political turmoil since April when President Pierre Nkurunziza announced his bid for a third term in violation with the constitution, according to the opposition and the civil society.

This political crisis has led to the killing of more than 300 persons and forced some 200,000 persons into exile in neighboring countries. Endit