Police in Burundi have arrested one of the last opposition leaders who remained put when others fled the violence-riddled country, his family and supporters said on Wednesday.
The police are sid to have arrested Hugo Haramategeko, 47, the president of the small Nadeby party, the New Alliance for the Development of Burundi, as he took his shower at home in the capital Bujumbura, in a dawn raid.
“The police arrested him shortly after 06:00 as he was taking a shower, and did not even give him time to get dressed properly,” said Charles Nditije from the opposition UPRONA party, criticizing his “arbitrary arrest.”
The police are yet to comment on the arrest.
Burundi descended into violence in April 2015 when President Pierre Nkurunziza declared his bid for a controversial third term in office, going on to win the disputed July poll.
Hundreds have been killed in the ensuing clashes with thousands fleeing to neighbouring countries.
