Burundi decries foreign pressure amid internal political crisis
Opposition leader was killed on Saturday
Protest follow failed coup d´etat on 13 May
Burundi's government denounced on Tuesday what it described as unjustified foreign meddling in its internal affairs.
The condemnation followed international pressure from countries such as the US, after violence erupted on the heels of Pierre Nkurunziza's announcement he was willing to stand in the 26 June presidential elections.
“The government of Burundi is profoundly preoccupied by the current diplomatic activity which could undermine and denigrate our republican institutions and constitution,” Philippe Nzobonariba, a spokesman for the government, said on the country's state radio.
Certain questions that touch on our sovereignty, constitution and the primacy of our laws cannot be debated
“Certain questions that touch on our sovereignty, constitution and the primacy of our laws cannot be debated,” Nzobonariba said.
A demonstrator was shot dead on Monday, and two others were wounded, during a protest in support of opposition leader Zedi Feruzi, who was shot dead on Saturday.
Marie Harf, deputy spokeswoman for the US State Department, urged the Burundian government to take action to ensure the safety of political leaders.
"We call on all parties to immediately renounce the use of violence," Harf said in a statement. "These attacks only undermine ongoing efforts to achieve a peaceful resolution to the current crisis through dialogue,” she added.
An attempted coup d'etat was carried out on 13 May, hours after Nkurunziza left the country to visit neighbouring Tanzania, although the coup's leaders were later arrested.
Burundi has also been left facing a very difficult situation due to the current refugee crisis and its international isolation.
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