Tensions High Prior to Today's Vote on Constitutional Amendments
Category: Criminal Activity
Severity: 3 (Moderate)
Source: Drum Cussac
05/17/2018 (Burundi) - According to local news sources on Thursday, 17 May, tensions are rising around the country in advance of today's planned referendum on constitutional reform. The proposed reforms would allow the incumbent president, Pierre Nkurunziza, to remain in power until 2034. Although the current constitution limits a president to be allowed to serve for two terms, President Nkurunziza began a third term in 2015 causing significant unrest in the country. Some 4.8 million people are expected to take part in today's vote, which is being overseen by the Independent Electoral Commission (CENI). Human rights groups have accused the government of intimidation in the run-up to today's referendum, with opposition groups allegedly being subject to arrest, beatings and even killings.
Members in-country are advised to remain vigilant in light of the current heightened tensions and risk of unrest. Members should avoid the vicinity of all protests and political demonstrations in order to limit exposure to incidental violence, opportunistic crime, and heavy-handed police response. Members are further advised to limit time spent in the vicinity of government buildings and electoral infrastructure. Monitor local media sources for further information and heed any directives issued by the authorities.
Copyright © 2024 Drum Cussac
Related
News Alerts and Safety Profiles are provided strictly for informational purposes and contain the best available data at the time of writing. While every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy, the information in this report has not been independently verified and HTH Worldwide therefore accepts no responsibility or liability for any inaccuracies in such information and any such liability is expressly denied, and no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made. Documents may be amended or withdrawn at any time without cause.