The World Health Organization (WHO) was on Thursday seeking to clarify why authorities in Burundi have expelled its top official in the country and three other staff members, the UN agency's Regional Director for Africa told journalists during a press briefing on COVID-19.
Elections next week
The UN Commission of Inquiry on Burundi, said in a statement it deeply regretted the decision, which comes just ahead of the 20 May presidential, legislative and local elections in the East African country.
Alarmed by violence and human rights violations in the run-up to the polls, members called on Thursday for stepped up efforts to resolve tensions.
"We call on the Government of Burundi to immediately stem this spiral of violence by taking all the necessary measures to guarantee the respect and the protection of public liberties, and to put an end to the impunity enjoyed by perpetrators of acts of violence, some of whom hold senior positions", said Doudou Diène, the Commission president.
The Commission of Inquiry on Burundi was established in September 2016 by the UN Human Rights Council.
