UN chief calls for calm and restraint in Burundi

Amid reports of political upheaval in Burundi, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called urgently today on all parties in the country to exercise calm and restraint, and reminded the country's leaders of the need to preserve pace and stability.

"We are following from here with great concern developments on the ground in Burundi", UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said in a statement at UN Headquarters, adding that the Secretary-General urgently calls on all parties to exercise calm and restraint.

"He reminds all Burundian leaders of the need to preserve peace and stability in a country that has suffered so grievously from previous bouts of violence", said Dujarric, emphasizing that the UN is evaluating developments amid a very fluid situation.

The Spokesperson said that Headquarters is in contact with UN Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region Said Djinnit who is currently in Dar-Es-Salaam, Tanzania for the Summit of the East African Community.

Tensions have been simmering in Burundi for weeks ahead of planned elections. Popular protest erupted after the country's ruling National Council for the Defence of Democracy – Forces for the Defence of Democracy (CNDD-FDD) party nominated on 26 April Pierre Nkurunziza as its presidential candidate for a third term.