Secretary-General Concerned about Burundi’s Insistence on Holding Elections amid Prevailing Political, Security Situation

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

The Secretary-General is concerned about the Government of Burundi’s insistence on going ahead with elections on 29 June despite the prevailing political and security environment.

The International Facilitation Team in Bujumbura has been working hard to assist the Burundian parties to reach a consensus on the way forward for holding free, fair inclusive and peaceful elections.  The Secretary-General deplores the intransigence of the parties that caused those important efforts to be inconclusive.

The Secretary-General recalls the decisions of the Security Council, including resolution 2137 (2014), which mandated the United Nations Observer Mission in Burundi (MENUB) to observe the elections.  In fulfilling its mandate, MENUB will continue to work in a professional and impartial manner, in accordance with national laws applicable to electoral matters and international instruments, principles and rules of election observation.  The Secretary-General emphasizes the responsibility of the Government of Burundi to ensure that elections take place in a secure environment and also to guarantee the safety and security of United Nations observers so that they can perform their mandated responsibilities, free from intimidation or harassment.

The Secretary-General reiterates his appeal to all Burundian political leaders to consider the wider interest of the people of their country and to resolve political issues through dialogue in order to preserve peace and strengthen national reconciliation.  Condemning recent attacks reported in the country, he appeals to all Burundians to refrain from violent acts, in line with the Charter of Non-Violence agreed by all parties.