Burundi’s President Pierre Nkurunziza has set a November 7 deadline for citizens to hand over illegal firearms in a bid to put an end to months of unrest following his controversial re-election in July.
Pierre Nkurunziza was sworn in for a third term as president in August, which opponents say is unconstitutional
Nkurunziza, whose disputed victory resulted in a failed coup attempt, told dissenters on Monday (November 7) that they risk being “dealt with as enemies of the nation”, unless they voluntarily hand in illegal weapons within five days.
Burundi, which emerged from civil war a decade ago, was thrown into turmoil over Nkurunziza’s plan to seek a third term in office, which many of his critics said was unconstitutional. The announcement of his victory plunged the country into crisis, including violent clashes between protesters and security forces in the capital Bujumbura and a series of targeted killings.
According to experts, reprisal assassinations of government officials and members of the opposition risk driving the nation back into another conflict and could reopen old ethnic wounds.
Nkurunziza said that individuals who comply with his edict would be “trained on patriotic education” and returned to their families. “Those who will not do so… will be taken as criminals and be prosecuted according to the anti-terrorism law and be dealt with as enemies of the nation,” he said, adding: “This is the last call we make.”
Nkurunziza also called on police to restore peace and security across the capital Bujumbura within a month, telling them: “In addition, you are allowed to use all the necessary means and authorized rules and regulations in security matters.”
