ICC to investigate Burundi political violence

The International Criminal Court says it will investigate allegations of imprisonment and violence in Burundi, which has been plagued by unrest since a political crisis erupted a year ago. 

The office of the UN Commission on Human Rights estimates at least 430 people have been killed in Burundi since April 2015, when President Pierre Nkurunziza launched a bid for a third term in office.

He went on to win a disputed election in July. 

Announcing a preliminary examination, the war crimes court prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, said her office has reviewed reports detailing acts of killing, imprisonment, torture, rape and other forms of sexual violence, as well as cases of enforced disappearances. 

Madam Bensouda said at least three thousand 400 people have been arrested and more than 230 thousand Burundians forced to seek refuge in neighbouring countries.


SOURCE: NEWS24