Inside Story

Is Burundi on the brink of civil war?

There are growing fears that Burundi could be headed for another conflict

The US special envoy for Africa’s Great Lakes region says Burundi is at risk of descending into total chaos. 

Thomas Perriello is calling for urgent regional mediation to establish a peace process between the government and opposition groups to prevent further bloodshed. 

The crisis began earlier this year when President Pierre Nkurunziza ran for a controversial third term in office and won. That led to months of protests and violence, including an attempted coup. 

The United Nations says at least 240 people have been killed since April.

So is Burundi on the brink of civil war? Or can violence be contained?

Presenter: Martine Dennis

Guests:

Padraic MacOireachtaigh – Photojournalist and Film-maker who has lived in Burundi for more than two years.

Patricia Daley – Associate Professor of Human Geography at Oxford University. Has written a book on Burundi.

Jonathon Offei-Ansah – Founder and Publisher of AfricaBriefing Magazine.