Burundian pro-government commander shot dead at army headquarters

A Burundian army commander who had allegedly participated in repression against government opponents was Tuesday shot dead at army headquarters.

Army officials said on condition of anonymity that Lt. Col. Darius Ikurakure was shot dead from a vehicle that drove past the entrance to the headquarters.

The official from the communication department of the presidency said the officer was standing near a notice board in the yard, when he was fired at.

He said the killing took place when many officers had left the headquarters for lunch.

Meanwhile, opposition politicians and family members of people who have disappeared have accused Ikurakure of involvement in torture and extra-judicial killings.

The lieutenant colonel had never responded to such accusations.

The East African country has been in turmoil since President Pierre Nkurunziza announced a nearly a year ago that he would seek a third term in office, in spite a constitutional two-term limit, and won an election in July.

The UN noted that more than 400 people have been killed and more than 250,000 have fled abroad.

(dpa/NAN)