UN envoy quits as Burundi talks mediator

The United Nations top envoy to Burundi has quit his role mediating talks between political rivals to end weeks of civil unrest, a spokesman said yesterday.

"Said Djinnit gave up his role as mediator in the Burundian crisis, but he will return to Bujumbura as the Special Envoy for the Great Lakes region," said Vladimir Monteiro, spokesman for the UN mission in Burundi. No information was given as to a possible successor.

Djinit's role in talks was questioned earlier this week by civil society leaders, who challenged his impartiality.

The troubled central African nation has been in crisis since late April over President Pierre Nkurunziza's controversial bid to stand for a third consecutive five-year term, a move branded by opponents as unconstitutional and a violation of a 2006 peace deal that ended 13 years of civil war.

Civil society leader Vital Nshimirimana said it would be "wise" to appoint another envoy who "inspires confidence in all parties," and calling for stalled talks to restart on "neutral territory" outside the country.

Around 40 people have died in a police crackdown on protests in the capital Bujumbura, and nearly 100,000 Burundians have sought refuge in neighbouring countries.