Burundi’s Environment Minister Assassinated On New Year’s Eve

Burundi’s environment minister, Emmanuel Niyonkuru has been confirmed dead after he was shot while he was on his way home on New Year’s eve. The 54-year old minister was killed by an unknown criminal with a gun, Burundi’s police confirmed.

An unidentified woman has been detained in connection with the incident, with the government promising that the perpetrators will be brought to book.

Burundi has been relatively peaceful after a tumultuous spell after President Pierre Nkurunziza won a controversial third term. Despite the initial unrest, it is the first time a government minister has ever been killed.