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UN chief condemns killing of Burundi’s top spy

Gen. Nshimirimana's assassination sparks fears of new violence

03.08.2015 - Update : 03.08.2015
UN chief condemns killing of Burundi’s top spy

NEW YORK

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Monday condemned the assassination of Burundi's powerful spy chief, expressing concern about the country’s continued deteriorating internal security.

Adolphe Nshimirimana was killed when his car was hit by rockets and bullets in the capital, Bujumbura, officials said.

His death came a little more than a week after President Pierre Nkurunziza was declared winner of a controversial poll boycotted by the opposition.

The country has been rocked by protest since April, when the ruling party named Nkurunziza – in power since 2005 – its candidate for the presidency.

"[Ban] 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", read a statement issued from the UN spokesperson's office.

More than 100 people have reportedly been killed nationwide, while tens of thousands have fled the violence to neighboring countries since anti-Nkurunziza demonstrations began earlier this year.

Gen. Nshimirimana was arguably the most powerful man in Burundi and the mastermind behind the government crackdown on protesters.

His assassination on Sunday has sparked fears that the country could plunge into a fresh conflict.

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