UK rejects Burundi court ruling on Nkurunziza third term

Burundi President Pierre Nkurunziza. The country's constitutional court cleared him to contest in the upcoming presidential elections. FILE PHOTO | AFP 

In Summary

• The vice president of the court, Sylvere Nimpagariste, fled into Rwanda on Monday for his life and said he and other judges had come under pressure to rule that the incumbent, in power since 2005, could stand again.
• In its statement, the FCO threw its weight, instead, behind the political dialogue between rival factions underway under the guidance of the UN.

By DAVID KALINAKI
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The British government has refused to endorse the Tuesday's constitutional court ruling in Burundi, which said President Pierre Nkurunziza could stand for re-election.

In a statement issued on Wednesday morning in London, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office cast doubt over the integrity and independence of the court.

"Reports of intimidation against members of the Constitutional Court do not give the impression of an independent court that was able to come to an impartial decision," the FCO said in a statement.

"This is not in the best interests of Burundi or its people".

The vice president of the court, Sylvere Nimpagariste, fled for his life into Rwanda on Monday.

He said he and other judges had come under pressure to rule that the incumbent, in power since 2005, could stand again.

The next day the court ruled that Mr Nkurunziza's first term, in which he was elected by legislators, did not count against the two-term limit in the constitution.

STREETS BARRICADED

Protestors rejected the ruling and have continued to barricade streets in many parts of the capital, Bujumbura, and in other parts of the country.

In its statement, the FCO threw its weight, instead, behind the political dialogue between rival factions underway under the guidance of the UN.

"A clear public commitment to disarming political youth groups, including the Imbonerakure, is vital," the statement added. "The Burundian government is responsible for the security of all citizens. We therefore urge the government to create a situation where those who have fled Burundi in recent weeks can return without fear."