WHO official expelled from Burundi

Burundi has expelled a representative from the World Heal Organisation (WHO) and three other health experts.

An unsigned letter from the ministry of foreign affairs declared that Dr Walter Kazadi, who works for WHO, and three others had been declared “persona non grata” and were given 48 hours to leave the country.

The other health experts are Prof Tarzy Daniel, Dr Ruhana Mirindi Bisimwa, and Dr Jean Pierre Murunda.

When questioned about the letter, Burundi’s foreign minister Ezechiel Nibigira would not confirm or deny it, but another official from the department confirmed its authenticity to reporters.

No reason was given why the officials were being told to leave the country.

The letter comes at a time of intense scrutiny for the government for the way it has handled the coronavirus pandemic and the ongoing election campaign.

Rallies are being held throughout the country while no measures are being taken to halt the spread of the virus, leading to fears of an imminent spike in the number of positive cases.

During a press briefing on Wednesday, the International Crisis Group said the government was in denial over the number of cases reported in the country, which officially stands at 15, with just one death.

[Photo: Getty Images]