By Matthew Russell Lee
UNITED NATIONS, August 4 -- As in Burundi the crackdown on those opposing or even questioning the third term for Pierre Nkurunziza continued, now a journalist covering the killing of Adolphe Nshimirimana has been beaten by security forces, and human rights defender Pierre Claver Mbonimpa attacked.
On August 3, Inner City Press asked UN Secreaty General Ban Ki-moon's spokesman Stephane Dujarric about Nkurunziza's security forces beating and torturing journalist Esdras Ndikumana. Video here.
Ban's spokesman said the UN was aware. But why wasn't it included in Ban's statement that day praising Nkurunziza?
On August 4, Inner City Press asked Ban's deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq about the future of the MENUB mission, if the UN had visited Mbonimpa or tried to ensure protection for his family, and about the status of any mediation.
While it appears that no UN visit to Mbonimpa has been made, Haq in his answer to Inner City Press say that the UN will "hopefully sometime in the near future announce someone who can lead the UN efforts on Burundi."
The questions came rolling in, to Inner City Press and presumably to the UN: who? When? Could the third time, after Said Djinnit then Bathily, be the charm? We'll have more on this.
On August 3, the UN put out this "read-out" of Ban's work on Burundi:
"The Secretary-General held a conference call today with H.E. Mr. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda, and H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, to discuss the situation in Burundi.
The Secretary-General reiterated his strong condemnation of the killing, this weekend, of General Adolphe Nshimirimana and expressed his concern over its implications for security in Burundi. He expressed his full support for President Museveni’s efforts to facilitate an inclusive political dialogue in Burundi on behalf of the East African Community.
The Secretary-General called for the swift resumption of the dialogue to defuse mounting tensions and pave the way for the formation of a government of national unity. It was agreed that the United Nations, the East African Community and the African Union should continue working closely together in a coordinated and unified approach to find a sustainable solution to the crisis in Burundi."
The Secretary-General reiterated his strong condemnation of the killing, this weekend, of General Adolphe Nshimirimana and expressed his concern over its implications for security in Burundi. He expressed his full support for President Museveni’s efforts to facilitate an inclusive political dialogue in Burundi on behalf of the East African Community.
The Secretary-General called for the swift resumption of the dialogue to defuse mounting tensions and pave the way for the formation of a government of national unity. It was agreed that the United Nations, the East African Community and the African Union should continue working closely together in a coordinated and unified approach to find a sustainable solution to the crisis in Burundi."
We'll stay on this.
Here was Ban's belated statement:
"The Secretary-General 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 this context, the Secretary-General strongly condemns the killing of General Adolphe Nshimirimana on 2 August. He welcomes President Nkurunziza's message to the nation to remain calm and to the competent authorities to expeditiously investigate this assassination in order to bring the perpetrators to justice. He calls on the Burundian authorities to investigate diligently other recent political assassinations.
"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 Secretary-General remains committed to supporting peace consolidation and conflict prevention efforts in Burundi."
"In this context, the Secretary-General strongly condemns the killing of General Adolphe Nshimirimana on 2 August. He welcomes President Nkurunziza's message to the nation to remain calm and to the competent authorities to expeditiously investigate this assassination in order to bring the perpetrators to justice. He calls on the Burundian authorities to investigate diligently other recent political assassinations.
"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 Secretary-General remains committed to supporting peace consolidation and conflict prevention efforts in Burundi."
After Dujarric read out the belated statement, Inner City Press asked about government security beating journalist Esdras Ndikumana. Dujarric indicated that the UN system is aware. But why then was it not in Ban's statement praising Nkurunziza? It's like Ban calling the elections "broadly peaceful."
With Ban slated to be in the UN press briefing room less than an hour later, Inner City Press for the Free UN Coalition for Access asked why Ban would not taken even a single question. Video here; Periscope here. That question remains, and will be pursued.
The US State Department statement, calling for restraint, said:
"The United States condemns the murder of General Adolphe Nshimirimana in Bujumbura today and urges calm and restraint in the aftermath of the attack. We call on all sides to renounce violence and to redouble their efforts to engage in a transparent, inclusive, and comprehensive political dialogue.
"The path forward must address foundational issues, including respect for human rights, freedom of the press and other fundamental freedoms, and respect for the Arusha Agreement and its power-sharing provisions. Restoration of dialogue is urgent, and all parties must work together in pursuit of a consensus, peaceful path forward for the people of Burundi."
"The path forward must address foundational issues, including respect for human rights, freedom of the press and other fundamental freedoms, and respect for the Arusha Agreement and its power-sharing provisions. Restoration of dialogue is urgent, and all parties must work together in pursuit of a consensus, peaceful path forward for the people of Burundi."
But where was Ban Ki-moon? He was not at the UN on August 2 with many countries' Permanent Representatives, working on and agreeing to a post-2015 development agenda text. But he quickly issued a statement on that, and seemed sure to brag about it with US President Barack Obama on August 4. But still silent on Burundi.
After the government refused to attend the East African Community mediation sessions, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on July 23 blithely "took note" of what he called the "broadly peaceful conduct of polling."
On July 28 the UN Security Council belatedly held closed door consultations about Burundi, the Council's first meeting on the country since July 9. Before the meeting ended, the Ambassador of France, the penholder of the Council on Burundi, had left. While the session was closed, afterward Inner City Press asked participants both on and off the record what was said.
Inner City Press on background was told that the idea of a shortened third term for Nkurunziza had been raised in the meeting. On the record, at the UN Television stakeout, Inner City Press asked the Council's president for July Gerard von Bohemen of New Zealand if this had arisen.
From the New Zealand mission's transcription:
Inner City Press: Burundi, I wanted to ask you whether there was any discussion of a government of national unity and in connection with that a possible short third term?
A: There was a strong support for the idea of a government of national unity. It’s recognised that there isn’t consensus as to what that might mean. There was reference by the Assistant-Secretary-General that for some that means a shorter third term but it’s not clear that that’s an accepted parameter for anybody at this stage.
On July 27, Inner City Press attended - after an initial request to keep it out - the UN Peacebuilding Configuration meeting on Burundi, then went and asked UN Spokesman Stephane Dujarric:
Inner City Press: On Burundi, I wanted to ask, there was a peacebuilding configuration meeting in Conference Room 5 and the representative of, I guess, the UN’s Human Rights Office said there is now, since 22 July, six AU [African Union] human rights monitors in the country, but the UN has no contact with them, because the Government hasn't somehow permitted it. I wanted to know, one, is it the UN system they can't… I heard you from in podium say repeatedly how the UN works with the AU, likes the AU, the AU is going to solve it, why would it be the UN can't contact the human rights monitors of the AU? And does Ban Ki-moon acknowledge that there is some… his statement about broadly peaceful is inconsistent as perceived with the MENUB report just out this hour?
Spokesman Dujarric: No, I don't think it's inconsistent. In fact, I think the MENUB report does talk about, you know, that the election day was relatively peaceful and conducted adequately. However, as MENUB says, the overall environment was not conducive for a free and fair, credible election process. So there, I don't agree with your compare and contrast exercise. On the AU monitors, this is the first I've heard of it. I can check.
Spokesman Dujarric: No, I don't think it's inconsistent. In fact, I think the MENUB report does talk about, you know, that the election day was relatively peaceful and conducted adequately. However, as MENUB says, the overall environment was not conducive for a free and fair, credible election process. So there, I don't agree with your compare and contrast exercise. On the AU monitors, this is the first I've heard of it. I can check.
While seven hours later no information was provided, Inner City Press at 4:30 pm on July 27 asked the President of the UN Security Council for July, Gerard von Bohemen of New Zealand, if finally there would be a Security Council meeting on Burundi (the first since July 9), now that the MENUB report was out. Yes, he said, there'd be consultations on July 28 at 3 pm.
The briefers will be Department of Political Affairs official Taye-Brook Zerihoun and MENUB Officer in Charge Issaka Souna, by video from Bujumbura. We'll be there.
Inner City Press on July 23 asked one of Ban's Associate Spokespeople Vannina Maestracci on what basis Ban "noted" as he did a "peaceful conduct of polling," while she continued to say wait for the UN's MENUB mission's report. Video here. She said she would not "dissect every word" of Ban's statement. How about one word: peaceful?
On July 24, after Nkurunziza was declared the winner and the East African Community said it was neither free nor fair, Inner City Press asked another UN spokesperson at the day's noon briefing what Ban had meant by "broadly peaceful," in light of the EAC finding and for example an Amnesty International report on abuses.
This spokesperson said that given Ban's previously warnings of violence, he had been "relatively speaking" by saying things were peaceful. Video here.
Finally Inner City Press asked where Ban is, "taking note." Ban is "away from the office," while his Public Schedule continues to say "all appointments are internal."
The day before on July 22 Inner City Press at the UN noon briefing asked the UN what it was doing:
Inner City Press: yesterday, I'd asked Farhan about these reports of at least two deaths during the voting, and he said that the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) had these four monitoring teams out. I understand it takes them a few days to put together their electoral assessment. But, does that side of the UN have anything to say about actual physical violence directed at those voting or not voting?
Associate Spokesperson Vannina Maestracci: Nothing from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights right now… but you're right, they do have four teams on the ground, regional teams that are mobile. And as soon as we hear back from them and from MENUB, from the Electoral Mission, we will let you know.
Associate Spokesperson Vannina Maestracci: Nothing from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights right now… but you're right, they do have four teams on the ground, regional teams that are mobile. And as soon as we hear back from them and from MENUB, from the Electoral Mission, we will let you know.
While still waiting, Ban Ki-moon on July 23 issued this statement:
"The Secretary-General takes note of the broadly peaceful conduct of polling in the Burundian presidential elections on 21 July. He calls on all parties to continue to remain calm and immediately resume an inclusive political dialogue to resolve their differences and address the challenges facing the country.
"The Secretary-General reminds the Burundian authorities of their responsibility to guarantee and protect the safety and security of the civilian population and ensure an end to further acts of violence as well as accountability for any human rights violations committed.
"The Secretary-General calls on the Burundian parties to engage in good faith in the political dialogue putting Burundi’s national interests first and fully determined to implement the relevant outstanding provisions of the 6 July East African Community (EAC) summit outcome document, under the high-level facilitation of President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda. The United Nations remains committed to working closely with the EAC and African Union (AU) to help find a lasting solution in Burundi.
"In this regard, the Secretary-General welcomes the deployment of AU human rights observers and military experts aimed at helping prevent an escalation of violence and facilitating a peaceful resolution of the serious political crisis affecting Burundi."
"The Secretary-General reminds the Burundian authorities of their responsibility to guarantee and protect the safety and security of the civilian population and ensure an end to further acts of violence as well as accountability for any human rights violations committed.
"The Secretary-General calls on the Burundian parties to engage in good faith in the political dialogue putting Burundi’s national interests first and fully determined to implement the relevant outstanding provisions of the 6 July East African Community (EAC) summit outcome document, under the high-level facilitation of President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda. The United Nations remains committed to working closely with the EAC and African Union (AU) to help find a lasting solution in Burundi.
"In this regard, the Secretary-General welcomes the deployment of AU human rights observers and military experts aimed at helping prevent an escalation of violence and facilitating a peaceful resolution of the serious political crisis affecting Burundi."
UNrelevant.
Also on July 22, Inner City Press asked Ambassador Francois Delattre of France, the "penholder" in the UN Security Council on Burundi, if there would be a briefing about the situation there. "I will think about that," he said. (Inner City Press asked again on July 23 and got a laugh, perhaps out of politeness.)
Later on July 22, Inner City Press asked the Security Council's president for July, Ambassador Gerard von Bohemen of New Zealand, if there would be a briefing on Burundi, from MENUB. From the NZ UN transcript:
Inner City Press: About Burundi, now that this election took place, some people were killed during it, is there going to be any kind of Council briefing or to hear from MENUB their review of it?
A: So we’re waiting to hear back from MENUB so then we’ll be in a better position to make a decision about when next to discuss the issue.
On June 21 Inner City Press asked the Deputy Spokesperson, video here, transcript here:
Inner City Press: in Burundi, there are reports of a number of deaths that have taken place during the day's polling, and I'm wondering, is that something that the UN, either the human rights side or MENUB, can confirm at this time before they issue a written report?
Deputy Spokesman Farhan Haq: I don't have any details to share on that. You've seen the reports, as we all have done. The High Commissioner for Human Rights Office also has staff from four regional offices deployed from Bujumbura, among which are two mobile teams who are working closely with security staff and the UN Electoral Observation Mission. And as I said before you got in, we have teams from the Mission, MENUB, deployed to all of the country’s 18 provinces, and there's a total of 21 teams of 3 observers each being deployed.
Deputy Spokesman Farhan Haq: I don't have any details to share on that. You've seen the reports, as we all have done. The High Commissioner for Human Rights Office also has staff from four regional offices deployed from Bujumbura, among which are two mobile teams who are working closely with security staff and the UN Electoral Observation Mission. And as I said before you got in, we have teams from the Mission, MENUB, deployed to all of the country’s 18 provinces, and there's a total of 21 teams of 3 observers each being deployed.
Earlier on July 21, UK Minister for Africa, Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP, said:
“The Burundian government has failed to ensure the necessary conditions for credible, inclusive and peaceful elections. I therefore do not consider these elections legitimate. Since April, 77 people have been killed and many arrested; over 170,000 Burundians have become refugees and freedom of expression has been curbed. The Burundian government’s refusal to engage in political dialogue has destabilised the country.
“I urge the Burundian government to accept the reality on the ground and to uphold the spirit of the Arusha Agreement. I call for calm and restraint from all sides. Otherwise, the significant progress Burundi has made since the end of the civil war is in danger of being lost.”
“The Burundian government has failed to ensure the necessary conditions for credible, inclusive and peaceful elections. I therefore do not consider these elections legitimate. Since April, 77 people have been killed and many arrested; over 170,000 Burundians have become refugees and freedom of expression has been curbed. The Burundian government’s refusal to engage in political dialogue has destabilised the country.
“I urge the Burundian government to accept the reality on the ground and to uphold the spirit of the Arusha Agreement. I call for calm and restraint from all sides. Otherwise, the significant progress Burundi has made since the end of the civil war is in danger of being lost.”
On July 21, the US State Department issued this statement:
"The United States warns that elections held under the current conditions in Burundi will not be credible and will further discredit the government.
"The legitimacy of the electoral process in Burundi over the past few months has been tainted by the government’s harassment of opposition and civil society members, closing down of media outlets and political space, and intimidation of voters. Dozens have been killed, and as many as 167,000 Burundians are now refugees in neighboring nations.
"The government’s insistence on going forward with Presidential elections on Tuesday risks its legitimacy in the eyes of its citizens and of the international community. More serious is the risk of unraveling the fragile progress made through the implementation of the Arusha Agreement, which states clearly that no Burundi president shall serve more than two terms in office.
"We commend the East African Community and the Government of Uganda for their efforts to encourage political dialogue, and are disappointed that the Government of Burundi has thus far failed to participate in good faith in this dialogue. We are deeply concerned that Foreign Minister Nyamitwe also failed to approve entry for African Union human rights monitors in advance of the election, preventing the multitude of allegations of human rights violations and abuses from being properly investigated.
"We underscore our commitment to helping seek accountability for those who commit or instigate politically-motivated violence and other human rights abuses in Burundi.
"Attempts by the Government of Burundi to deny citizens the ability to choose their leadership freely, without intimidation and threat of violence, will force the United States to carefully review all aspects of our partnership not yet suspended, including the imposition of visa restrictions on those responsible for -- or complicit in -- promoting instability in Burundi through violence.
"We strongly urge all parties to recommit themselves to upholding the Arusha Agreement and its power-sharing arrangement, the cornerstone of peace and security over the past decade in Burundi."
"The legitimacy of the electoral process in Burundi over the past few months has been tainted by the government’s harassment of opposition and civil society members, closing down of media outlets and political space, and intimidation of voters. Dozens have been killed, and as many as 167,000 Burundians are now refugees in neighboring nations.
"The government’s insistence on going forward with Presidential elections on Tuesday risks its legitimacy in the eyes of its citizens and of the international community. More serious is the risk of unraveling the fragile progress made through the implementation of the Arusha Agreement, which states clearly that no Burundi president shall serve more than two terms in office.
"We commend the East African Community and the Government of Uganda for their efforts to encourage political dialogue, and are disappointed that the Government of Burundi has thus far failed to participate in good faith in this dialogue. We are deeply concerned that Foreign Minister Nyamitwe also failed to approve entry for African Union human rights monitors in advance of the election, preventing the multitude of allegations of human rights violations and abuses from being properly investigated.
"We underscore our commitment to helping seek accountability for those who commit or instigate politically-motivated violence and other human rights abuses in Burundi.
"Attempts by the Government of Burundi to deny citizens the ability to choose their leadership freely, without intimidation and threat of violence, will force the United States to carefully review all aspects of our partnership not yet suspended, including the imposition of visa restrictions on those responsible for -- or complicit in -- promoting instability in Burundi through violence.
"We strongly urge all parties to recommit themselves to upholding the Arusha Agreement and its power-sharing arrangement, the cornerstone of peace and security over the past decade in Burundi."
But no one in the UN Security Council, where France holds the pen on Burundi, even asked for a meeting or briefing in the days before the election.
On the night of July 20, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon issued this statement:
"The Secretary-General takes note of the indefinite suspension of the inter-Burundian dialogue that started on 14 July 2015 under the facilitation of Uganda pursuant to the recommendations of the Summit of the East African Community (EAC) of 6 July 2015. He commends the efforts of President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda and of the East African Community (EAC) and calls on all organizations and Burundi’s partners to work together to help Burundians resolve their differences peacefully.
"The Secretary-General notes that the suspension of the dialogue took place without agreement being reached on a range of issues that would have contributed to the creation of a climate conducive to the holding of credible and peaceful elections, as contained in the relevant recommendations of the EAC and the African Union.
"In this worrisome context, and following the decision of the Burundian government to hold the presidential election on 21 July, the Secretary-General calls on the authorities to do all in their power to ensure security and a peaceful atmosphere during the election. He further calls on all parties to refrain from any acts of violence that could compromise the stability of Burundi and the region.
"The Secretary-General reiterates his appeal for the resumption of a frank dialogue among all parties and urges them to avoid undermining the progress achieved in building democracy since the signing of the Arusha Agreements.
"The Secretary-General recalls that the United Nations Electoral Observation Mission, in accordance with its Security Council mandate to observe the electoral process before, during and after the elections, continues to undertake this task and has deployed observers countrywide to that effect. He calls on all parties to facilitate their work and calls, in particular, on the government to ensure their security."
"The Secretary-General notes that the suspension of the dialogue took place without agreement being reached on a range of issues that would have contributed to the creation of a climate conducive to the holding of credible and peaceful elections, as contained in the relevant recommendations of the EAC and the African Union.
"In this worrisome context, and following the decision of the Burundian government to hold the presidential election on 21 July, the Secretary-General calls on the authorities to do all in their power to ensure security and a peaceful atmosphere during the election. He further calls on all parties to refrain from any acts of violence that could compromise the stability of Burundi and the region.
"The Secretary-General reiterates his appeal for the resumption of a frank dialogue among all parties and urges them to avoid undermining the progress achieved in building democracy since the signing of the Arusha Agreements.
"The Secretary-General recalls that the United Nations Electoral Observation Mission, in accordance with its Security Council mandate to observe the electoral process before, during and after the elections, continues to undertake this task and has deployed observers countrywide to that effect. He calls on all parties to facilitate their work and calls, in particular, on the government to ensure their security."
Before 5 pm on July 2 Inner City Press asked the UN Security Council president if any Council member asked for a meeting or statement.
"No one has," UNSC president Gerard von Bohemen of New Zealand told Inner City Press.
At the July 20 noon briefing, Inner City Press asked UN deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq:
Inner City Press: I wanted to ask you about Burundi. Tomorrow, it’s slated to be the presidential election with the controversial third term, and the Government has stopped attending the "mediation" or facilitation sessions sponsored by Uganda. So, what is the UN… I know that you were deferring to that mediation, but now it's, they say, adjourned, but it seems like the Government's not participating. What does the UN plan to do and what report do you have on violence, including repeated reported shelling today in Bujumbura?
Deputy Spokesman Haq: At this stage, regarding the violence, our Electoral Mission, MENUB, is working to get an assessment of the conditions. It will have an assessment of the election whenever it happens, which it will then share with the Security Council. And we would try to provide details with you of what the electoral mission's assessment is, once we receive that. Regarding the political process, the United Nations wasn't involved in the process that was taking place over the weekend. We are aware of the reports concerning the failure of the Government side to attend the talks. Of course, we are supportive of the efforts by the facilitation under the facilitator that had been designated, President [Yoweri] Museveni, to try to bring the sides together, and we hope that that process can succeed. Meanwhile, we're monitoring the situation on the ground, and we'll issue any further statements including, like I said, the assessment, as circumstances warrant.
Inner City Press: This MENUB mission, there seem to be different understandings or reports from Burundi. How many people are actually out… will actually be out tomorrow observing election places?
Deputy Spokesman: Well, like I said, once the Election Day occurs, we'll get some details from the Mission about its presence and its work. But, at this stage, the basic point is it has a clear Security Council mandate to report back to the Council, and that's what it's going to do.
Deputy Spokesman Haq: At this stage, regarding the violence, our Electoral Mission, MENUB, is working to get an assessment of the conditions. It will have an assessment of the election whenever it happens, which it will then share with the Security Council. And we would try to provide details with you of what the electoral mission's assessment is, once we receive that. Regarding the political process, the United Nations wasn't involved in the process that was taking place over the weekend. We are aware of the reports concerning the failure of the Government side to attend the talks. Of course, we are supportive of the efforts by the facilitation under the facilitator that had been designated, President [Yoweri] Museveni, to try to bring the sides together, and we hope that that process can succeed. Meanwhile, we're monitoring the situation on the ground, and we'll issue any further statements including, like I said, the assessment, as circumstances warrant.
Inner City Press: This MENUB mission, there seem to be different understandings or reports from Burundi. How many people are actually out… will actually be out tomorrow observing election places?
Deputy Spokesman: Well, like I said, once the Election Day occurs, we'll get some details from the Mission about its presence and its work. But, at this stage, the basic point is it has a clear Security Council mandate to report back to the Council, and that's what it's going to do.
Back on July 16, a group of UN experts -- independent, to be sure -- issued a call for action by the UN Security Council, where the "penholder" on Burundi has been notably quiet.
