Leading the News: Burundi -

On February 25th, Human Rights Watch (HRW) unveiled a new report documenting a wide range of human rights abuses, including killings, torture, abductions, and arbitrary arrests committed by Burundian security forces during recent political unrest. In the report, HRW called on Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza to publicly denounce security force abuses and ensure those responsible are held to account. Additionally, HRW said opposition leaders should order their supporters to stop human rights abuses...

On March 2nd, the U.S. Department of State welcomed signs of intensified regional and international commitment to resolve the crisis in Burundi, including the appointment of former Tanzanian President Benjamin Mkapa as the full-time facilitator for the regionally mediated dialogue and recent commitments by the Government of Burundi to the United Nations (U.N.) and the African Union (AU) to release political prisoners and allow independent monitors. The State Department urged prompt action by the Burundian Government to implement President Pierre Nkurunziza’s promise to release at least 2,000 detainees, and called for the Government to lift all restrictions on media, create conditions for citizens to safely express dissenting views, and drop charges against and release political opponents...