BURUNDI: Govt leads violent crackdown ahead of vote – rights group

Human Rights Watch says Burundi government forces and members of the ruling party have killed, beaten and intimidated people they regard as opponents of a referendum vote on extending the president’s term in office. President Pierre Nkurunziza, who is serving a controversial third term in office, has governed Burundi for 13 years. If next month’s […]

Human Rights Watch says Burundi government forces and members of the ruling party have killed, beaten and intimidated people they regard as opponents of a referendum vote on extending the president’s term in office.

President Pierre Nkurunziza, who is serving a controversial third term in office, has governed Burundi for 13 years.

If next month’s vote goes in his favour it will allow him to rule until 2034.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) says it has documented 19 cases of abuse since 12 December when the president announced plans for the May 2018 referendum.

The rights group says one man was beaten to death because he did not show a receipt proving he had registered to vote.