By Matthew Russell Lee
UNITED NATIONS, May 26 -- Thirteen days after the UN Security Council, the United States and the UN Peacebuilding Configuration on Burundi on May 15 issued statements urging calm in the country given the return of Pierre Nkurunziza to presumably run for a third term, on May 26 UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Prince Zeid said this in Geneva:
"During my mission to Burundi last month I was alarmed by the violence of the Imbonerakure militia, which is a strong supporter of President Nkurunziza’s government, and by politically motivated harassment, threats, and hate speech. The attempted coup of 13 May, and the assassination of opposition leader Zedi Feruzi on Saturday, have further intensified tension. Opposition politicians, journalists, prominent human rights defenders, and indeed many ordinary people still fear for their lives. When I left Burundi, on 15 April, 6,000 Burundians had fled the country due to fear of political violence and intimidation. Five weeks later, that number has swelled by a further 110,000 frightened people.
"This is a country with deep and terrible knowledge of the potential consequences of outbreaks of violence. Following a decade of growing recovery, and prosperity, these recent events are a significant setback. But we can still avoid the path that could lead back to past tragedies. I am encouraged by the mobilisation of the African Union, the International Conference on the Great Lakes region, the East African Community, the European Union and the United Nations, and by the priority they have given to human rights concerns. The Special Envoy for the Great Lakes is making a tremendous effort to draw all actors to the negotiating table, and OHCHR's country office continues to work with the Government, civil society, the National Independent Human Rights Commission and the Ombudsman to protect human rights and the rule of law. I hope the Council can send a strong message to national actors and the international community to stop the wave of violence."
"This is a country with deep and terrible knowledge of the potential consequences of outbreaks of violence. Following a decade of growing recovery, and prosperity, these recent events are a significant setback. But we can still avoid the path that could lead back to past tragedies. I am encouraged by the mobilisation of the African Union, the International Conference on the Great Lakes region, the East African Community, the European Union and the United Nations, and by the priority they have given to human rights concerns. The Special Envoy for the Great Lakes is making a tremendous effort to draw all actors to the negotiating table, and OHCHR's country office continues to work with the Government, civil society, the National Independent Human Rights Commission and the Ombudsman to protect human rights and the rule of law. I hope the Council can send a strong message to national actors and the international community to stop the wave of violence."
The UN Security Council hasn't met on the topic in nearly two weeks; despite an upcoming "Protection of Journalists" event, the UNSC's most recent statement did not mention the journalist who was with them who was gravely injured, Jean Baptiste Bireha of Bonesha FM. Here's the UN Security Council's full text:
"The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the killing of Mr. Zedi Feruzi, leader of the opposition Union pour la paix et le développement (UPD) Zigamibanga party in Burundi, and his bodyguard, on 23 May 2015 in Bujumbura. The members of the Security Council also condemned the grenade attack in Bujumbura’s central market on 22 May 2015 that left two dead and many others injured.
"The Security Council expressed their deepest condolences to the families of those killed and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. They urged the Burundian authorities to swiftly bring the perpetrators of these crimes to justice.
"The members of the Security Council reiterated their call on all Burundian stakeholders to demonstrate their sense of responsibility and exercise calm and restraint in the interest of peace and reconciliation in Burundi. They called on the Burundian authorities to take concrete steps to prevent further violence, whilst respecting fundamental freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly.
"The members of the Security Council called on all Burundian stakeholders to pursue the consultative political dialogue facilitated by the Special Envoy for the Secretary-General for the Great Lakes region, Mr Said Djinnit, and representatives of the African Union, the East African Community, the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa and the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region, to create an environment conducive to peaceful, credible and inclusive elections in Burundi, in the spirit of the Arusha Agreements.
The members of the Security Council reiterated their intent to respond to violent acts which threaten peace and security in Burundi."
"The Security Council expressed their deepest condolences to the families of those killed and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. They urged the Burundian authorities to swiftly bring the perpetrators of these crimes to justice.
"The members of the Security Council reiterated their call on all Burundian stakeholders to demonstrate their sense of responsibility and exercise calm and restraint in the interest of peace and reconciliation in Burundi. They called on the Burundian authorities to take concrete steps to prevent further violence, whilst respecting fundamental freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly.
"The members of the Security Council called on all Burundian stakeholders to pursue the consultative political dialogue facilitated by the Special Envoy for the Secretary-General for the Great Lakes region, Mr Said Djinnit, and representatives of the African Union, the East African Community, the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa and the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region, to create an environment conducive to peaceful, credible and inclusive elections in Burundi, in the spirit of the Arusha Agreements.
The members of the Security Council reiterated their intent to respond to violent acts which threaten peace and security in Burundi."
Wait - "intent to respond" -- meaning this assassination is notnot enough? Or that a mere Press Statement is the extent of the Security Council's response? We'll have more on this.
And here is Secretary General Ban Ki-moon's statement, also sans journalist, and artfully dodging Arusha and the third term:
"The Secretary-General condemns the killing of Mr. Zedi Feruzi, leader of the opposition Union pour la paix et le développement (UPD) Zigamibanga party in Burundi, and his bodyguard today in Bujumbura.
This crime, as well as the despicable grenade attack in Bujumbura’s central market on 22 May that left two dead and many others injured, threaten to entrench mistrust and trigger further violence. The Secretary-General urges the Burundian authorities to swiftly bring the perpetrators of these crimes to justice. He extends his deepest sympathies to the families of those killed and wishes a quick recovery to the injured.
These acts of violence constitute a stark reminder of the need for all Burundian political leaders to address the current political crisis with the highest sense of responsibility and to place peace and national reconciliation above partisan interests.
The Secretary-General reiterates his calls for calm and restraint. He calls on the Burundian authorities to uphold the human rights of all Burundians, including the freedoms of assembly, association and expression, and to take concrete steps to prevent political killings and violence.
The Secretary-General encourages Burundian stakeholders to pursue the consultative political dialogue facilitated by his Special Envoy Said Djinnit and representatives of the African Union, the East African Community, the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa and the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region. He calls on the parties to the consultative political dialogue not to be deterred by those who, through violence, seek to prevent the creation of an environment conducive to peaceful, credible and inclusive elections in Burundi."
This crime, as well as the despicable grenade attack in Bujumbura’s central market on 22 May that left two dead and many others injured, threaten to entrench mistrust and trigger further violence. The Secretary-General urges the Burundian authorities to swiftly bring the perpetrators of these crimes to justice. He extends his deepest sympathies to the families of those killed and wishes a quick recovery to the injured.
These acts of violence constitute a stark reminder of the need for all Burundian political leaders to address the current political crisis with the highest sense of responsibility and to place peace and national reconciliation above partisan interests.
The Secretary-General reiterates his calls for calm and restraint. He calls on the Burundian authorities to uphold the human rights of all Burundians, including the freedoms of assembly, association and expression, and to take concrete steps to prevent political killings and violence.
The Secretary-General encourages Burundian stakeholders to pursue the consultative political dialogue facilitated by his Special Envoy Said Djinnit and representatives of the African Union, the East African Community, the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa and the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region. He calls on the parties to the consultative political dialogue not to be deterred by those who, through violence, seek to prevent the creation of an environment conducive to peaceful, credible and inclusive elections in Burundi."
On May 22 Ban said he was encouraged by the dialogue since and concerned about refugees.
Ban said nothing about demonstrators shot, or the crack down on media.
Here is the full text:
"The Secretary-General is encouraged by the ongoing political dialogue in Bujumbura. This involves representatives of civil society, political parties, religious organizations and the Government with the facilitation of Special Envoy Said Djinnit and representatives of the African Union, the East African Community, the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa and the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region.
"The Secretary-General applauds the participants for the progress achieved so far in the discussions, especially on measures to reduce tensions and create propitious conditions for free, fair, inclusive and peaceful elections. He is concerned, however, about the ongoing humanitarian crisis involving refugees. He expresses appreciation to the neighbouring countries for their hospitality to the refugees and urges the Government of Burundi to create conditions for their return.
"The Secretary-General encourages the stakeholders to pursue the ongoing dialogue with a view to reaching a comprehensive agreement on all the issues they have identified. He reiterates the availability of the United Nations to accompany the people of Burundi and the region during this process."
"The Secretary-General applauds the participants for the progress achieved so far in the discussions, especially on measures to reduce tensions and create propitious conditions for free, fair, inclusive and peaceful elections. He is concerned, however, about the ongoing humanitarian crisis involving refugees. He expresses appreciation to the neighbouring countries for their hospitality to the refugees and urges the Government of Burundi to create conditions for their return.
"The Secretary-General encourages the stakeholders to pursue the ongoing dialogue with a view to reaching a comprehensive agreement on all the issues they have identified. He reiterates the availability of the United Nations to accompany the people of Burundi and the region during this process."
What about the demonstrators shot? Ban's silence on the crackdown on media is a pattern, as Inner City Press and the Free UN Coalition for Access reported yesterday, here.
On May 19 the International Committee of the Red Crossissued a carefully worded press release that did not directly say people were dragged out of hospitals:
"The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is extremely concerned about the tense pre-election atmosphere in Burundi and its humanitarian impact on the people of that country. The organization is appealing for calm among all parties involved and asks that health-care staff be allowed to do their work safely and that medical facilities not be interfered with.
"We are very troubled by the repercussions of the violence that has taken place in Burundi," said Georgios Georgantas, head of the ICRC delegation in the country. "People must remember that human life and dignity have to be respected at all times, and that health-care staff and medical centres must be spared from, and protected against, acts of violence and vandalism," said Mr Georgantas. The ICRC is also requesting that the orders issued to police comply with prevailing standards and regulations so that the use of force will be kept to an absolute minimum.
"The crisis has given rise to humanitarian needs in the capital Bujumbura and in neighbouring countries, forcing the ICRC to step up its efforts. In Burundi, ICRC delegates visit those who have been arrested to ensure their living conditions and the treatment they are receiving are in line with international standards. The organization also provides medicines and medical equipment to the prison authorities as needed."
"We are very troubled by the repercussions of the violence that has taken place in Burundi," said Georgios Georgantas, head of the ICRC delegation in the country. "People must remember that human life and dignity have to be respected at all times, and that health-care staff and medical centres must be spared from, and protected against, acts of violence and vandalism," said Mr Georgantas. The ICRC is also requesting that the orders issued to police comply with prevailing standards and regulations so that the use of force will be kept to an absolute minimum.
"The crisis has given rise to humanitarian needs in the capital Bujumbura and in neighbouring countries, forcing the ICRC to step up its efforts. In Burundi, ICRC delegates visit those who have been arrested to ensure their living conditions and the treatment they are receiving are in line with international standards. The organization also provides medicines and medical equipment to the prison authorities as needed."
What of people dragged out of hospitals? Now there's medical equipment to jails.
On May 19 the UN spokesperson Farhan Haq said UN envoy Said Djinnit would briefing the Security Council and, he hoped, the media on May 20. But it did not happened; the Council's penholder, when asked, did not say when it might happen.
Meanwhile Inner City Press was multiply informed of an offer that had been made to Nkurunziza, to ween him from the third term dream: a high but honorary post in FIFA, the football federation, as a sort of goodwill ambassador.
Nkurunziza turned it down, Inner City Press is informed by Permanent Representatives at the UN and other diplomatic sources. Now he has sacked ministers and said it is him or Al Shabaab. What could have been, FIFA. (Inner City Press also asked on May 18 about Qatar detaining a BBC journalist while he reported on the situation of migrant workers preparing there for the FIFA World Cup.)
On Burundi, from the UN's May 18 noon briefing transcript 