A memorial service is underway at Lycée du St-Esprit Chapel in Burundi’s capital Bujumbura to pay last respects to Brigadier General Athanase Kararuza, his wife and daughter who were killed in a deadly attack this Monday.
Gen Kararuza, who served in the previous Tutsi-dominated army before President Pierre Nkurunziza rose to power, and his wife were dropping their child at the school in Bujumbura only for armed men to open fire on their car.
The military official who has been serving as a senior security advisor to Burundi’s Vice President and his wife died on spot.
Their daughter would later succumb to gunshot wounds at the hospital.
In Bujumbura on Saturday afternoon, mourners praised the deceased as a patriot who put his life on the line to make his country and region a secure place.
The General’s killing attracted condemnation from the international community.
Extending his deepest condolences to all affected by this tragic loss, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said the assassination of General Kararuza comes in the wake of several instances of “politically-motivated assassination attempts” in Burundi over recent weeks, including an attack on Martin Nivyabandi, Minister of Human Rights, Social Affairs and Gender, as well as those on prominent members of the security forces.
Daniella succumbed to gunshot wounds at the hospital in Bujumbura
“All such acts of violence serve no purpose other than to worsen the already volatile situation in Burundi. The Secretary-General urges that a rigorous and prompt investigation of these events is undertaken,” the statement indicated.
The deceased had served in senior positions in both the African-led International Support Mission to the Central African Republic (MISCA) and the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).
“The Secretary-General underlines that a political process is the only way for Burundians to put their country back on the path of national reconciliation and peace. He calls on all political leaders, including those in exile, to firmly renounce the use of violence in pursuit of political agendas and commit to an inclusive and genuine dialogue,” a statement from the UN chief’s office read in part.
It has been one year since the political crisis in the country began; thousands have been killed and almost 260,000 people fled the country.
Memorial service underway at Lycée du St-Esprit Chapel in Burundi’s capital Bujumbura on Saturday