Secretary-General Gravely Concerned by Developments in Burundi, Condemns Attempts to Oust Elected Government, Calls for Calm, Restraint

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General is gravely concerned by developments in Burundi since the announcement of the electoral candidacy of President Pierre Nkurunziza and especially in the aftermath of the 13 May declaration of a coup d'état.  The Secretary-General condemns attempts to oust elected Governments by military force.  He appeals for strict respect of Burundi's Constitution, as well as the Arusha Agreement.

The Secretary-General now urgently calls for calm and restraint.  He urges all political and security leaders to clearly and openly reject the use of violence, refrain from acts of revenge and rein in their militants.  He stresses that anyone responsible for ordering or committing human rights violations will be held accountable.  In this regard, he has full confidence that the Security Council will consider the various tools at its disposal in examining the situation in Burundi, including regarding accountability.

The United Nations reminds the Burundian authorities of their obligation to ensure the protection of all Burundian citizens, as well as United Nations personnel and premises.

The Secretary-General commends the East African Community for its leadership.  He is in close contact with leaders in the region.  Through his Special Envoy for the Great Lakes, Said Djinnit, the United Nations will continue to work closely with the East African Community, the African Union and other partners in joint efforts to help resolve the crisis in Burundi.  He also urges Burundians to create the conditions for the holding of inclusive, violence-free and credible elections, as soon as possible.