A statement issued by Ban’s spokesperson said the UN chief “notes with great concern the continuing deterioration of the security environment in Burundi following an electoral period marked by violence and the violation of human rights, including the right to life.”

In the wake of Sunday’s assassination, the Secretary-General welcomed President Pierre Nkurunziza’s message to the nation to remain calm and to the competent authorities to expeditiously investigate and bring the perpetrators to justice.

“The Secretary-General renews his appeal to all Burundians to resume an inclusive dialogue without delay and peacefully settle their differences under the facilitation of President Museveni as mandated by the East African Community,” the statement added.

The UN Electoral Observation Mission in Burundi (MENUB) last week stated that while the 21 July election in Burundi that won Mr. Nkurunziza a controversial third term was relatively peaceful and conducted adequately, the overall environment was ‘not conducive’ for an inclusive, free and credible electoral process.

The polls took place after two postponements in an environment of “profound mistrust” between opposing political camps, the Mission noted, adding that the decision of the incumbent President to run for another term precipitated a deep political and socioeconomic crisis.

Photo: MENUB