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UN Investigators Skeptical of Reform Promises by New Burundi President

Lisa Schlein

   GENEVA - The U.N. Commission of Inquiry on Burundi is doubting that
   promises of reform made by Burundi's newly-elected president will
   result in hoped-for improvements in the country's human rights
   situation. The commission has submitted its report on prevailing
   conditions in the country to the U.N. Human Rights Council.
   The three-member panel welcomes promises of political reconciliation,
   judicial reform and protection of the population made by President
   Ndayishimiye, in his inaugural address. But, the chair of the U.N.
   commission, Doudou Diene, says the president's comments were full of
   ambiguities and contradictions.

   For example, he notes the president's remarks seemed to justify the
   imposition of restrictions on some public liberties such as freedom of
   expression, information and assembly under the guise of preserving
   Burundian culture.

   Speaking on a video link from Paris, hesaid, "Such remarks are
   concerning, especially given that the new president's policies will be
   implemented by a government composed primarily of the old guard of the
   late President Nkurunziza's regime -- some of whom are under sanctions
   for their involvement in grave human rights violations."

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