The United Nations has strongly condemned the assassination of the Burundian Minister of Water, Environment and Planning, Emmanuel Niyonkuru, on the first of January.

A statement from the spokesman for the Secretary-General, Stephane Dujarric, said that this is another sad reminder of the urgent need of the Burundian parties to work together to achieve the best interests of Burundian people for a lasting political solution to the crisis in the country.

Mr. Dujarric stressed that the UN stands ready to continue working with international partners to support the facilitation efforts led by the East African Community, EAC, to reinstall stability in Burundi.

Mr. Dujarric offered the organisation’s condolences to the victim's family and the Burundian government and people.