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| Burundi expels WHO officials accused of interference with COVID-19 plans |
"If Burundi election is conducted that limits space for people to come together, it’s OK"
A report published by The Guardian has revealed that Burundi has expelled four World Health Organisation's officials and accused them of 'unacceptable interference' with the country's efforts to fight against coronavirus.
The Burundi's foreign ministry issued a directive in a letter to WHO dated 12 May 2020.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has described the explulsion as “unfortunate” at a time when greater cooperation is needed to tackle COVID-19 in Africa.
#BURUNDI: The Government has declared Persona non grata the WHO country representative and other two officials of the organization.
— Tanzania Updates (@TanzaniaUpdates) May 14, 2020
They have been given 48 hours to leave the country.
No specific reason was given for their expulsion. pic.twitter.com/aedawuwmJD
Foreign Minister Ezechiel Nibigira refused to provide reasons when asked but instead hung up the phone on Thursday morning.
There are 27 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Burundi but there are reports of more cases that might not have been confirmed as yet.
Burundi is gunning ahead with its plans to hold elections in less than 15 days despite concerns that this might lead to an outbreak of the virus if strict measures are not put in place.
“If an election is conducted that limits space for people to come together, it’s OK. But if you cannot ensure that … then it’s gonna put you in danger,” said the head of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, John Nkengasong.
Last year, Burundi fired United Nations officials who investigated the violence after the year 2015 vote. The country also took a decision to leave the International Criminal Court after facing charges of state-sponsored crime.
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