BUJUMBURA- For more than two years, Burundi has been gripped by turmoil since President Pierre Nkurunziza launched a bid for a third term in office.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) opened a full probe into alleged crimes committed during the crisis, on Thursday.
At least, between 500 and 2 000 people have been killed, that’s according to different sources, and more than 400 000 people displaced from their homes. Here is a summary of key developments in the country.
-April 25, 2015: The day Nkurunziza is declared candidate for a third time by ruling CNDD-FDD party. This sparked demonstration from thousands of protesters the following day.
-May 13, 2015: Top Burundian general Godefroid Niyombare, announces the overthrow of the president. The leaders of the coup surrendered two days later and Nkuruziza returns.
-June 28, 2015: Head of parliament, Pie Ntavyohanyuma says he has fled to Belgium, denouncing Nkurunziza’s illegal third term bid, joining a list of opposition leaders, members of civil society, journalists and even disillusioned members of the ruling party who have chosen exile.
-July 21, 2015: Nkurunziza is re-elected as expected in a vote boycotted by the opposition.
Fast forward to November 9, ICC has revealed that it decided on October 25 to launch a probe into crimes committed from April 26 2015 to October 26 2017. The “retain jurisdiction” in this area, regardless of Burundi’s withdrawal, the court says.
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