TIMELINE OF BURUNDI’S DESCENT INTO CRISIS

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April 25, 2015:

Pierre Nkurunziza is declared candidate for a third term by the ruling CNDD-FDD party.

April 26, 2015:

Thousands of Burundians demonstrate in the capital, Bujumbura

April 27, 2015:

The head of the main human rights association in Burundi, Pierre-Claver Mbonimpa, is arrested and held for 30 hours a fierce response from police.

May 2, 2015:

Burundi’s security minister, General Gabriel Nizigama accuses the protesters of providing cover for a “terrorist enterprise” and vows to crack down on what he calls “criminals, terrorists and even enemies of the country.”

May 5, 2015:

Six out of seven in Burundi’s Constitutional Court rule that Pierre Nkurunziza is eligible to run for a third term as President.

May 7, 2015:

The African Union cautions that the environment in Burundi is not conducive for an election, as demonstrations marks the 12th day between with police and the Imbonerakure, members of the ruling party.

May 8, 2015:

At least 18 people killed in clashes since Pierre Nkurunziza’s nomination to seek re-election on April 25.

May 13, 2015:

Major General Godefroid Niyombare announces the overthrow of President Nkurunziza hours after the he flies to neighbouring Tanzania for talks with regional leaders on how to end the Burundi crisis. The coup leaders surrender two days later and Nkurunziza returns to the country.

June 28, 2015:

Pie Ntavyohanyuma, the head of Burundi’s parliament flees to Belgium a day before elections are announced by Nkurunziza, joining the list of opposition leaders, journalists, members of civil society, and some members of the ruling party who had fled into exile.

July 21, 2015:

Nkurunziza is re-elected in a vote boycotted by the opposition.

August 2, 2015:

General Adolphe Nshimirimana is killed in a rocket attack.

August 3 2015:

Human rights activist Pierre-Claver Mbonimpa, who had publicly opposed Nkurunziza’s bid for a third term, is wounded by gunfire.

August 15 2015:

The former head of the Burundi army during the 13-year civil war, Colonel Jean Bikomagu, is assassinated.

December 11 2015:

At least 87 people are killed in coordinated attacks by unidentified gunmen on three military sites that trigger a fierce riposte from the security forces.

July 29, 2016:

UN Security Council agrees to deploy up to 228 UN police in Burundi, but in early August the government in Bujumbura rejects the resolution.

September 20 2016:

UN investigators say Burundi’s government is behind systematic human rights violations, warning of the looming risk of “genocide”.

October 27 2016:

Burundi announces its withdrawal from the ICC.

December 30 2016:

Nkurunziza hints he might seek a fourth term in office in 2020 if the people request it.

January 19, 2017:

Human Rights Watch says young men belonging to Burundi’s ruling party are waging brutal attacks on perceived opponents.

April 18, 2017:

UN rights chief Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein condemns youth calling for the rape and murder of opposition supporters.

September 4, 2017:

United Nations calls for the opening of an ICC investigation into crimes against humanity in Burundi.

September 29, 2017:

United Nations resolves to extend the mission of an international investigation into atrocities in Burundi irrespective of strong opposition from the government.

October 26 2017:

Government approves changes to the constitution that supports a 14-year extension to Nkurunziza’s stay in office.

October 27 2017:

Burundi’s withdrawal from the ICC becomes effective.

November 9 2017:

The International Criminal Court authorizes an investigation to be opened in the Burundi situation. The Court retains jurisdiction over crimes committed in Burundi up to October 26, 2017 irrespective of Burundi’s withdrawal.

February 2018:

UNHCR reports that 428,000 refugees have fled Burundi into neighbouring countries.