Unrest in Burundi sparks exodus of 100,000: UN
More than 100,000 Burundians have fled to neighbouring countries since political violence erupted in April, the Geneva-based United Nations Refugee Agency said on Friday, as the country reeled from a foiled coup attempt.
Refugee agency spokeswoman Karin de Gruijl said nearly 70,200 people had fled to Tanzania, 26,300 to Rwanda and nearly 10,000 to the South Kivu region of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The number was more than double the figure provided by UNHCR a week ago.
The announcement came after an attempt to overthrow Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza ended in failure, with coup leaders detained or being forced to go on the run, ending uncertainty over who was in charge of the small, landlocked and impoverished nation.
The country has been gripped by political crisis over Nkurunziza's controversial bid to stand for a third consecutive term in office.
More than 25 people have been killed and scores wounded since late April, when Burundi's ruling CNDD-FDD party — which has been accused of intimidating the opposition and arming its own militia — nominated Nkurunziza to stand for re-election in June 26th polls.
De Gruijl said the increased unrest in the country had sent many fleeing to neighbouring Tanzania.
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Refugee agency spokeswoman Karin de Gruijl said nearly 70,200 people had fled to Tanzania, 26,300 to Rwanda and nearly 10,000 to the South Kivu region of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The number was more than double the figure provided by UNHCR a week ago.
The announcement came after an attempt to overthrow Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza ended in failure, with coup leaders detained or being forced to go on the run, ending uncertainty over who was in charge of the small, landlocked and impoverished nation.
The country has been gripped by political crisis over Nkurunziza's controversial bid to stand for a third consecutive term in office.
More than 25 people have been killed and scores wounded since late April, when Burundi's ruling CNDD-FDD party — which has been accused of intimidating the opposition and arming its own militia — nominated Nkurunziza to stand for re-election in June 26th polls.
De Gruijl said the increased unrest in the country had sent many fleeing to neighbouring Tanzania.
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