Leading the News:

Burundi -

On August 6th, United Nations (U.N.) Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza to resume the political dialogue that was suspended last month and reiterated his strong condemnation of the recent killing of General Adoplphe Nshimirimana and the attempted assassination of human rights defender Pierre Claver Mbonimpa. During a phone call, Secretary-General Ban expressed his deep concern over the impact of these events on security in Burundi.

On August 6th, upon returning from a visit to Burundi, U.S. Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region of Africa Thomas Perriello expressed grave concern about the ongoing political and humanitarian crisis in the country. Special Envoy Perriello said there is a need for both the government and its opponents to be committed to negotiations in a bid to resolve the crisis, especially as Burundians continue to feel a high level of tension and anxiety due to the ongoing violence.