Leading the News -

Burundi -

On February 22nd, three people were killed in gun and grenade attacks in Burundi, just hours before the planned arrival of United Nations (U.N.) Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for talks focused on ending the political crisis in the country. Two people were killed when an unidentified gunman opened fire inside a bar, while one person died and another was wounded in a grenade attack outside of a market in Bujumbura. Both incidents were reported here (see update for links).

On February 22nd, following a visit to Nairobi, Kenya, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon arrived in Bujumbura for an official visit to meet with President Pierre Nkurunziza and other actors in support of ongoing U.N. efforts aimed at resolving Burundi’s political crisis. Upon his arrival, Secretary-General Ban was greeted by First Vice President Gaston Sindimwo and Foreign Minister Alain Nyamitwe, as well as U.N. Special Envoy to Burundi Jamal Benomar and Resident U.N. Coordinator Paolo Lembo. Following his visit to Burundi, Secretary-General Ban is expected to visit the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Secretary-General Ban’s arrival in Burundi was highlighted...