Burundi ‘blocking aid to coronavirus quarantine sites’

The authorities in Burundi have blocked humanitarian aid to people in 'Covid-19 quarantine' sites across the country, according to Human Rights Watch (HRW).

HRW’s Central Africa Director, Lewis Mudge, warned that “Burundi’s usual denial and deflection approach to crisis management” was worrisome.

He said the government needed to be “transparent and work with international partners” to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Mr. Mudge said the authorities needed to give full access to humanitarian groups to help combat the pandemic.

The government only revealed one quarantine site to the World Health Organization yet many others in deplorable condition were holding those who recently travelled into the country, HRW said.

On Thursday, Burundi confirmed its first two cases of Covid-19 and hours later added a third case.

Days before the country confirmed Covid-19 cases, President Pierre Nkurunziza said Burundi had been spared from the virus outbreak because "it is a country that has put God first."