Photo Courtesy of Government ZA. Siyasanga Mbambani, Photographer
Coffee Report June 2015
President Kurunziza
BURUNDI
Protests continue after President Pierre Nkurunziza made known his intent to run for a third term. Those who oppose this move consider it to be unconstitutional, though the president's supporters believe he has a right to re-election through "direct suffrage."
The international media are reporting that thousands are fleeing the country, and that as many as six people have died while more than 150 have been arrested. Social media messaging and independent radio have been blocked in an attempt by the government to control the situation, according to a BBC report.
Responses to the unrest are still developing. A number of outlets state that the United States is sending a "top diplomat." Media pundits have already begun asking why individual East African nations have not yet made any statements.
Rwanda has taken in thousands of refugees already. It remains to be seen how this new instability will affect the coffee harvest in this region.