Burundian Vice President Gervais Rufyikiri (pictured) has reportedly fled his homeland, making him yet another high-level official to leave the country since President Pierre Nkurunziza announced he was seeking a third term, reports the BBC.
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In April, when President Nkurunziza went public with his third-term presidential aspirations, Vice President Rufyikiri reportedly made a number of enemies, after he told their party, CNDD-FDD, that he opposed Nkurunziza’s decision.
Rufyikiri’s standing in the political arena reportedly fell to a new nadir, though, after the coup attempt in May against Nkurunziza failed; Rufyikiri is thought to have supported the attempted takeover.
Despite resistance from his party, Rufyikiri still told France24 TV recently that he believes Nkurunziza’s July bid for the presidency is unconstitutional.
In addition to the failed coup, at least 70 people have been killed and 500 injured since President Nkurunziza’s presidential announcement.
And earlier this week, an additional four people were killed and 30 were wounded in a series of grenade attacks.
Other officials to leave Burundi include a constitutional court judge and an electoral commission member.
See photos from Burundi protests here:
21 photos
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