African vote throws UN Burundi abuse probe into question

– Credibility at stake? –

US representative Jason Mack also voiced deep disappointment at the African resolution, pointing to the Commission of Inquiry’s findings that the Burundian government is continuing “to engage in extrajudicial killings, torture, arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances, and sexual violence”.

“Under these circumstances, the Human Rights Council should not support any mechanism short of a Commission of Inquiry, or this council risks further diminishing its credibility as the primary UN mechanism for protecting and promoting human rights,” he said.

Burundi ambassador Renovat Tabu meanwhile accused the Europeans and Americans behind the stronger resolution of pushing a “secret agenda” against his country, insisting it had made “remarkable progress … in the fight against impunity”.

A spokesman for the rights council said it was fully possible for both Burundi resolutions to be adopted and implemented side by side, meaning the Commission of Inquiry could still see its mandate renewed Friday.

That would require some of the council’s 47 members who voted for the African resolution to also agree to the second text, and observers said the Europeans and Americans might need to weaken some of the language in their resolution to help it pass.

John Fisher of Human Rights Watch voiced disappointment that the African resolution passed, but suggested that if the stronger text passes, the two investigations could compliment each other.

“The Commission could work cooperatively with the team of experts to ensure a coherent approach,” he told AFP in an email.

“The credibility of the Council – and the needs of victims in Burundi – demands no less.”