Burundi's constitutional court gives Pierre Nkurunziza nod to contest

Burundi President Pierre Nkurunziza. The country's constitutional court cleared him to contest in the upcoming presidential elections. FILE PHOTO | AFP

What you need to know:

  • The constitutional court said Mr Nkurunziza is eligible to run for the upcoming elections since he was not directly elected by the universal suffrage in 2005.
  • Rwanda has expressed concern over deteriorating situation in Burundi.

BUJUMBURA

Burundi’s constitutional court has given President Pierre Nkurunziza the go-ahead to contest in the upcoming presidential elections.

The court issued the ruling Tuesday, a day after four of its judges fled to neighbouring Rwanda fearing for their safety.

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“We are worried about our security so that’s why I decided to leave the country,” said one of the constitutional court judges.

The constitutional court said Mr Nkurunziza is eligible to run for the upcoming elections since he was not directly elected by the universal suffrage in 2005.

“We will agree and get satisfied with the outcome of the constitutional court,” said ruling party CNDD-FDD chairman Pascal Nyabenda.

Protests have continued in Bujumbura for the second week. At least 12 people have been killed since the protest began.

Rwanda has expressed concern over the deteriorating situation in Burundi.

"Rwanda has been particularly affected by the situation in Burundi.

“We take seriously the reports of the links to FDLR," said Rwandan Foreign minister Louise Mushikiwabo.

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