This archive report was first published on 14 May 2020.
On May 13, 2020, Burundi took a drastic step by expelling the representative of the World Health Organization (WHO) and three senior health experts deployed to Bujumbura. The move was made without specifying the reasons behind it.
The WHO officials, including Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, were declared persona non-grata and given up to May 15 to leave the country. The other health experts included Prof. Daniel Tarzy, Dr. Ruhna Mirindi Bisimwa, and Dr. Jean-Pierre Mulunda Nkata.
The local Foreign Ministry wrote a note verbale to the WHO Africa head offices in Brazzaville, asking that the four officials leave the country. Burundi, as of May 13, reported 15 cases of Covid-19 with one death.
The country has imposed closure of its main airport from international flights. However, it has attracted public criticism for going on with planned elections due on May 20 by allowing public rallies and gatherings. President Pierre Nkurunziza is stepping down after three terms in office.
However, officials in Bujumbura said they will not permit election observers into the country unless they accept to take 14 days of quarantine. This would effectively mean that observers would arrive days after ballots are cast.
