Catholic Church leaders in Burundi withdraw election support

The government of Burundi has lost the support of Catholic Church leaders to hold parliamentary elections next month.

Despite political unrest over President Pierre Nkurunziza’s bid for a third term, their government says that their elections must go ahead due to the possibility of more turmoil.

The Conference of Catholic Bishops of Burundi released a statement yesterday in which they said they are withdrawing their agreement that would see priests monitoring the elections.

The EU also commented on the matter and said: “The government of Burundi should reach out to all domestic actors by restoring confidence through concrete measures.”

However, the elections are set for June 5 and presidential elections for June 26.

Since the ruling CNDD–FD party announced that they had nominated Nkurunziza as their candidate street demonstrations have taken place every day in the capital Bujumbura.

The potentially unconstitutional election has sparked a reaction from figures in the United Nations who share a similar perspective to Catholic Bishops.

Political dialogue between the government and the UN was suspended after the killing of an opposition leader several days ago Zedi Feruzi.