Rufyikiri is believed to be responsible for a failed coup attempt in May, which led to him being pushed out of the ruling party’s influential circles.
Gervais Rufyikiri, the Vice President of Burundi, has fled the country just ahead of this week’s national legislative elections, according to reports. VP Rufyikiri fled because of some recent comments he made stating that he believed President Nkurunziza’s his third term was unconstitutional. Rufyikiri felt threatened after he made the comments.
Burundi has been in major turmoil ever since the President announced that he would be running for office once again. Nkurunziza made the announcement on April 25th which to led to mass protest across the country.
According to rights groups paying attention to the situation, about 70 protesters were killed and 500 injured after clashes with police in the streets. The United Nations (UN) says that 100,000 people have fled the country in fear of the violence associated with the political turmoil and election.
Rufyikiri is believed to be responsible for a failed coup attempt in May, which led to him being pushed out of the ruling party’s influential circles.
The country will be holding legislative elections this weekend.
The UN is currently trying to broker talks between the governing party and the opposition to resolve tensions.